Peace Bridge site excavation, 2004. Note that the archaeological deposits are buried under the surfaces of the roads and sidewalks.
This campaign of research entailed a comprehensive background study of the archaeological potential of the shoreline in light of the environmental history of the region, the patterns and character of recent land use and development along the river, and the distribution of known archaeological sites within the Town. The identification of areas of archaeological sensitivity was also premised upon -and further tested through- the results obtained through field testing in the form of drilling boreholes along existing roads, sidewalks and boulevards in order to examine soil stratigraphy and detect buried cultural soil horizons, as well as salvage excavations carried out throughout the site between 1992 and 1999.
Reconstructed undecorated Transitional Woodland vessel from Feature 158. AD 675.
The principal conclusion of this research was that the buried black organic soil layer, representing the rich archaeological deposits first documented by Frederick Houghton of the Buffalo Museum of Science, which contains evidence of approximately 4,000 years of pre-contact occupation of the river shore, extends west from the Niagara River for some 400 metres, north from the Peace Bridge for approximately 600 metres, and south by 200 metres thereby encompassing an area of about 24 hectares (60 acres). Moreover, this deposit extends southward from the Peace Bridge for a considerable distance, as suggested originally by Houghton. Excavations at the Snake Hill site (AfGr-6), an American military cemetery dating to 1814 and located approximately 2.6 km further south along the shore of the river and lake, yielded, in addition to the remains of American soldiers, evidence of the buried artifact-laden soil horizon, and of extensive use of the site from Archaic times through to the Early Iroquoian period.
Aerial extent of the Peace Bridge Site in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Ground slate gorget fragment with Thunderbird figures, AD 1650.
Further excavations undertaken in 2000-2001 unveiled a rare and incredible find-an in situ birdstone. Approximately 2,500 years old and dating to the Early Woodland (Meadowood period), the elegant 15-cm slate artifact represents an elongated animal form, with a raised tail and head and slightly protuberant eyes. Birdstones are thought to have been used by hunters to add weight to spearthrowers in order to increase the throwing distance. However, despite its possible utilitarian function, it cannot be denied that the birdstone is also an exquisite artistic piece.
2500 year-old birdstone found near the intersection of Archange and Walnut streets within the Peace Bridge Site.
Our work at the Peace Bridge Site has led to the publication of scholarly papers, two books (Legacy of Stone: Ancient Life on the Niagara Frontier, and In the Shadow of the Bridge: the Archaeology of the Peace Bridge Site (AfGr-9), 1994-1996 Investigations) as well as a Masters Level Thesis. ASI was involved in the preparation of a professionally designed 1000 sq. ft. exhibit that is housed in the new Peace Bridge administration building in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Learn more about the Mewinzha Gallery Exibit.
Download the Peace Bridge Site Shadow 2 Report from the Reports page.
