In a surprising twist, thousands of artifacts have been unearthed in Brooklyn's historic DUMBO neighborhood during the restoration of 26 cobblestone blocks. A treasure trove of relics, many dating back to the mid-1800s to mid-1900s, has shed new light on the area's rich history.
The discovery was made by city workers and preservationists, who uncovered a staggering 2,800 items, including everyday objects like children's marbles, Coca Cola bottles, and horseshoe fragments. Other finds included military coins, smoking pipes, and even a pig's tooth.
Archaeological monitor Mark Tweedie worked alongside construction crews to identify the artifacts, which revealed a wealth of historical information about the area. "From the surface down into the ground, everything essentially was an archaeological feature," he said. Many of the relics date back to the 1790s and reflect the time period when the coastline began to be landfilled in the mid-1700s.
Among the more unusual finds were a copper military button from the post-Civil War era and a galvanized tin bucket that may have come from the construction of the Manhattan Bridge. Porcelain buttons, iron pliers, and even Quahog clam shells were also uncovered.
Each artifact holds its own unique story, which Tweedie believes is fascinating. "Each artifact tells its own individual story," he said. The discoveries are set to be put on display at the Brooklyn Public Library, offering a glimpse into DUMBO's fascinating past.
The discovery was made by city workers and preservationists, who uncovered a staggering 2,800 items, including everyday objects like children's marbles, Coca Cola bottles, and horseshoe fragments. Other finds included military coins, smoking pipes, and even a pig's tooth.
Archaeological monitor Mark Tweedie worked alongside construction crews to identify the artifacts, which revealed a wealth of historical information about the area. "From the surface down into the ground, everything essentially was an archaeological feature," he said. Many of the relics date back to the 1790s and reflect the time period when the coastline began to be landfilled in the mid-1700s.
Among the more unusual finds were a copper military button from the post-Civil War era and a galvanized tin bucket that may have come from the construction of the Manhattan Bridge. Porcelain buttons, iron pliers, and even Quahog clam shells were also uncovered.
Each artifact holds its own unique story, which Tweedie believes is fascinating. "Each artifact tells its own individual story," he said. The discoveries are set to be put on display at the Brooklyn Public Library, offering a glimpse into DUMBO's fascinating past.
... like those copper buttons and galvanized tin buckets, what's the significance of that? Was it some kind of secret project or something? And have you seen the pictures of the Quahog clam shells? That's an interesting find. I mean, who brings a clam shell to DUMBO in the 1800s? That's like, hidden message stuff 
... and what about those everyday objects like children's marbles and Coca Cola bottles? Was that just some random trash or is there something more going on with that too?
2,800 artifacts is like whoa! i mean i know some ppl might say it's just old stuff but honestly its so cool to think about the history behind each one of those relics. like that copper button from after the civil war? its got such a rich story behind it. and can u imagine finding a pig's tooth in the ground?! 
anyway i'm def gonna check out this exhibit at the brooklyn public library. gotta see these artifacts for myself! 
THEY FOUND ALL SORTS OF THINGS LIKE MARBLES, COCA COLA BOTTLES AND EVEN A PIG'S TOOTH!! 
i mean what's next?! 
this is going to be so cool to see on display at the brooklyn public library! can't wait to visit and learn more about dumbo's rich history!!!
: OMG lol copper button from post-Civil War era 
? that's like something out of a movie! 
and then you're stuck with all these relics... but in the best way possible 
. But seriously, it's crazy how much history is hidden beneath our feet. And the fact that these artifacts are giving us a glimpse into what life was like back then is pretty amazing. I wonder what kind of stories they'll tell at the exhibit 
I'm so down for this exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library. It's gonna be lit!