Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results of historic archaeology conducted as part of the Bliss Islands Archaeology Project, phase III. In spite of Black's concerns about the state of preservation of historic materials, and his pessimism regarding the likelihood of finding historic artifacts pre-dating 1850, last summer the authors surveyed and tested the Bliss Islands in search of early historic period occupations. Black's concerns were laid to rest when testing revealed the remains of a distinctly stratified, virtually undisturbed, early loyalist occupation dating ca 1783-1803. The site (BgDr-66) is believed to be part of the homestead of Samuel Bliss, the Loyalist Lieutenant : for whom. the islands are named. It is adjacent to one of the most attractive natural harbours in the region, and overlooks the West Isles and the marine approaches to Passamaquoddy Bay. Bliss specifically requested a land grant, of these islands from the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. With the support of Archaeological Services of New Brunswick, and a SSHRC grant to Black, University of New Brunswick fieldschool students excavated 20 m2 of the site under the authors' direction. A diverse assemblage of ceramic, metal and glass artifacts, construction materials and faunal remains, totalling ca. 15,000 specimens, was recovered. This material will form the basis for Blair's M.A. thesis in Material History at UNB.