Abstract

In late August 1997, word reached Archaeological Services New Brunswick that a known pre-contact site within the City of Saint John was scheduled for sale and development. A flurry of meetings with the city, the developer, the Native community and provincial authorities resulted in a delay of development proceedings. In October three weeks of archaeological work was conducted at the previously untested Bentley Street site. The results of the testing project were surprising to all parties including the archaeologist. Everyone agreed that there was indeed reason to step back from at least a portion of the proposed development area. This paper summarizes the history surrounding the Bentley Street situation, the results of the 1997 test and the efforts required to preserve a rare piece of New Brunswick heritage.