Led by Archaeologist Mark Houser, PHD, from Northwestern University here are some pictures from the 2012 excavation of a slave site on Bois Cotlette Estate. 200 -300 artifacts were unearthed telling a fascinating story of the lifestyle, underground economy, and living conditions of the Bois Cotlette Estate inhabitants. Historical records indicate that 110 slaves occupied this village during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Please see below for an inventory list of unearthed artifacts… And please come visit the Estate for a self guided or formally led tour where you can view these precious artifacts.
Summer 2012 Excavation
Mark Hauser Describing House Area to Tour Group
on Bois Cotlette Estate
Northwestern University Excavation Volunteers
Edward Thomas, Mark Hauser, Daiane Wallman
L-R Khadene Harris, Kushal Rao, Edward Thomas, Zev Cossin, Dorival Bellot, Brooke Kenline
Edward Thomas
A Devoted Volunteer
Clockwise From Left- Rhoda Barth, Michael Dion, William F. Keegan, Carme Lageur, Allan Armstrong, Sylvia Chappel
Cooking Hearth- Circular Feature
Example of a “slave hut”