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Ancient Artifacts Unearthed During $9M Water Main Project

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

During a $9 million water main replacement on St. Peter Street, crews uncovered artifacts dating to Fires of 1788 and 1794.
The find includes around 1,000 objects, including a pewter button from a British soldier and burnt clay.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says artifacts will reveal fires' destruction and reconstruction.
The artifacts are being analyzed in a laboratory.
The water mains being replaced are over 115 years old.

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Story summary

During a $9 million water main replacement on St. Peter Street, crews uncovered artifacts dating to Fires of 1788 and 1794.
The find includes around 1,000 objects, including a pewter button from a British soldier and burnt clay.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says artifacts will reveal fires' destruction and reconstruction.
The artifacts are being analyzed in a laboratory.
The water mains being replaced are over 115 years old.