During my graduate research studies, I began to explore the idea of landing sites and harbors as archaeological sites within a landscape. The thesis I produced sought to determine how risk as well as behavioral responses to risk influenced the development and growth of the harbor at Cape Town, South Africa in the 19th century (check it out here). As a means of analysis, the study used economic indicators as well as archaeological and historical features (cultural, natural, and cognitive) within the landscape to recreate how risk might have been an influencing factor in decisions made by the British government in Cape Town to protect ships in the harbor.

​

My current research focuses on the development of waterfronts in North America. Specifically, I am interested in the early colonial construction of waterfront spaces and the remaining archaeological features from this period. Of particular interest are the five port customs districts in North Carolina during the 18th century: Port Brunswick, Port Bath, Port Beaufort, Port Roanoke, Port Currituck. Additionally, recent investigations at other cities along the eastern seaboard continually produce new material related to historic waterfronts from the colonial era.

 

The main body of literature regarding these sites comes from heritage impact reports as new buildings are constructed on historically reclaimed land. As urban centers expanded into the water, the early waterfront was utilized to create natural catchments for dredged fill. The resulting preservation is remarkable, and many of these reports are detailed in their analysis of wharf and sea wall construction within the filled deposits.

​

Aside from the general construction features associated with waterfront sites, I am interested in how these spaces were organized and functioned. Are there patterns to waterfront development in primary urban centers like Charleston or New York versus outlying port towns in the colonial period that supplied major urban areas with goods to be shipped overseas? What items, people, or ideas were exchanged at this interface of land and sea? How was labor organized and who were the individuals that worked within those spaces? Are themes or trade, labor, resistance, conflict, etc. reflected in the material culture found in the waterfront or how the waterfront changed over time?