The Great Fire of 1892 is one of the most famous and impactful events that occurred in St. John’s during the 19th century, possibly the entire island, and often viewed as the defining event in the creation of the downtown that exists today. However, this conflagration was just one of several throughout that century, and its post-fire impacts on the city have often been over inflated. The rebuilding efforts after four fires between 1816-1819, and another massive fire in 1846 (as well as other smaller events) all impacted greatly on the altering and creation of the landscape, and in particularly, the streetscape of downtown St. John’s. This paper will examine the archaeological evidence of the 1892 fire within the context of the other earlier fires, examining the effect that this event had on Water Street’s streetscape, and what aspects were actually related to rebuilding efforts after earlier fire events.

We present preliminary findings from a long-forgotten cemetery uncovered on the property of the former Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Harbour Grace, NL. Prior to archaeological monitoring, a backhoe excavation of a service trench southeast of the cathedral’s front doors revealed various human burials. Fragmentary remains of up to 20 individuals, with ages-at-death ranging from perinatal to older adult, were recovered. Evidence of parent-infant (and other possible family burials) were found. Documentation included 1) a detailed skeletal inventory, 2) determination of the minimum number of individuals, 3) biological profile information (e.g., age, sex assigned at birth), 4) preservation details (macroscopic/microscopic), 5) pathology/trauma assessment, 6) X-ray imaging, and 7) histological analyses and high-resolution synchrotron micro-CT 3D imaging to document variables associated with bone metabolism and diagenetic change. Such novel approaches are needed to explain the substantial variability observed in the pattern/pace of bone remodeling, metabolism, and biochemical degradation among diverse groups in bioarchaeological populations. Though formal records regarding the presence of the cemetery are lacking, historical photographs showed headstones in front of the cathedral. The property has high archaeological potential and an assessment is required prior to further ground disturbance to identify historic resources, including additional internments.