UMB Block 12 (18BC163)
Site History
18-20 North Pine Street
In 2008, a Phase I archival and archaeological study was conducted by Goodwin and Associates of a 2.75 acre tract in Block 12 of Baltimore City (Child and Williams 2008). This work was completed in advance of construction of the university Pharmacy School. The archaeological work yielded traces of rowhouse foundations from two structures that formerly stood on North Pine Street, as well as associated walkways, a privy and another feature in the rear yard of 770 West Fayette Street. Most of the features found lacked intact stratigraphy or any associated soil deposits, since they had been extensively disturbed by earlier earthmoving activities.
History
The area was initially settled in the early 19th century and developed most intensively from around 1825 to the early 20th century. For most of its history, this portion of the block was of mixed residential and commercial usage for working class occupants. Most of the occupants appeared to be renters, rather than owners, and included carpenters, wagoners and blacksmiths.
In 1827, one of the lots was shown as being owned by a Thomas Cromiller and that the lot contained a three story sugar house. The 1824 Matchett Directory of the city shows a John Cromiller as a sugar refiner.
By the mid-20th century, most of the buildings in this part of the block had been demolished.
Archaeological Investigations
Five trenches were excavated with backhoes in the project area, in areas where historic maps showed that intact structural remains would likely be located. The trenching revealed brick rowhouse foundations, concrete slabs, walkways, and other associated features.
A 19th/20th century brick-lined privy or well (Feature 1-01) associated with the former rowhouse at 20 North Pine Street was discovered in the trenching. The base of this feature had been cleaned out and filled with a thick deposit of brick and mortar. A total of 353 artifacts were recovered from a test unit placed into the privy pit. These artifacts dated to the early 20th century.
A brick walkway remnant (Feature 1-02) was also associated with the same property.
The lack of intact deposits and stratigraphy at this site meant that no further work was recommended.
References
2008 Archeological Investigations of University of Maryland, Baltimore Block 12, Baltimore, Maryland. Report prepared by R. Christopher Goodwin &Associates, Inc., Frederick, Maryland. On file at JPPM.
Associated Artifacts
Other Forms
