Archaeology in St. John’s, Newfoundland

Insights into the archaeological findings in St. John’s

“…the fishiest of modern capitols”

When this quote was made in 1846 St. John’s was certainly a “fishy” capitol. But the history that has created the city’s archaeological record is more complex than just the codfishery. Countless other events and circumstances – both local and distant – have created the city we see today. The landscape of an urban area can be rooted, with vestiges lasting for centuries, yet at the same time, constantly changing. People, of different ethnicities, come and go. Cultural and natural disasters can destroy, requiring rebuilding. Urban archaeology can be complicated.

This is why the archaeology in St. John’s is so fascinating. My hope with this blog is to shed light on the numerous archaeological finds made in the city over the years.

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St. John’s – 1852. Rebuilt after the 1846 fire
Stoneware bottle base impressed with “John Rawlins”, found on Water Street
St. John’s in 1806.
Barrel/cask base pieces, part of a puncheon tub or covel. Recovered near Springdale Street during the JAG Hotel expansion project in 2021. Late 17th-early 18th century.