Archaeologists excavating an historic town green in Connecticut have made a significant discovery, uncovering the well-preserved remains of an 18th-century bake house. The structure, used to bake bread for French troops supporting the American Revolution, was found on the Lebanon Town Green in Lebanon, Connecticut.
According to Sarah P. Sportman, Connecticut state archaeologist, relatively few artifacts were found at the site, but one discovery stood out - a burned gunflint. Gunflints were chipped pieces of stone used in flintlock firearms, like the ones used during the Revolutionary War. This find provides a unique glimpse into the lives of soldiers who fought in the war.
The excavation also revealed other finds, including ceramic and glass fragments that date to the late 19th century, suggesting general landscaping work. As the team dug deeper, they found late 18th-century ceramic fragments, animal bone, clay smoking pipe fragments, and older bottle glass. While the number of artifacts was low, the discovery of the bake house is a significant find, shedding light on the history of the area.
Historians had long believed a French bake oven stood on the town green, but this is the first modern archaeological excavation of the site. According to Sportman, the 1896 amateur excavation at the site uncovered masonry and bricks, but there were no maps, photographs, or preserved artifacts documenting the dig. The foundation of the bake house appears largely intact and filled in with stone rubble, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War.
The discovery of the bake house does not mean the investigation is over. Sportman said researchers are still working to identify the structure's style and better understand the surrounding site. A ground-penetrating radar survey indicates that the stone and brick structure is part of a possible complex of structures in the area. Additional testing in the fall is expected to clarify some of these features and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the site.
The bake house excavation is part of a broader archaeological and historical project in Lebanon, marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Experts have identified numerous sites related to 18th-century militia training and the possible location of the French hospital, demonstrating the scale of Revolutionary War activities in Lebanon. The project highlights the importance of partnerships between the American colonists and their French allies, who played a significant role in the American victory.
