Charleston, livre ebook

Society for Historical Archaeology James Deetz Book Award

Choice Outstanding Academic Title

The archaeology and history of one of the most storied cities of the American South

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most storied cities of the American South. Widely recognized for its historic buildings, its thriving maritime culture, and its role in the Civil War, Charleston is also considered the birthplace of historic preservation. Martha Zierden and Elizabeth Reitz—whose archaeological fieldwork in the city spans more than three decades—explore the evolution of the urban environment, the intricacies of provisioning such a robust city, and the urban foodways that continue to inspire Charleston's culture.

In Charleston, Zierden and Reitz weave archaeology and history to illuminate this vibrant, densely packed Atlantic port city. They detail the residential, commercial, and public life of the city, the ruins of taverns, markets, and townhouses, including those of Thomas Heyward, shipping merchant Nathaniel Russell, and William Aiken. The authors shed light on the dynamics of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services that linked the city with rural neighbors and global markets. They also trace fish and game from the woods and waters to the kitchens where the food was prepared and the tables where it was served. Zierden and Reitz reveal how global trade goods combined with indigenous flavors to create a cuisine that was uniquely Charleston.

The artifacts unearthed show how Charleston continued to grow and develop as it contended with public health initiatives necessitated by post–Civil War changes, the fire of 1861, and the earthquake of 1886. They also testify to the city's arts and finery and to the challenges experienced by laboring slaves, house servants, and other underprivileged citizens. By reminding us that urban areas shape and are shaped by their inhabitants, Charleston evokes the essence of the deeply complex city whose influence was felt throughout the Atlantic World.

List of Illustrations

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1. Pots, Bones, and the Urban Landscape

Part I. The Setting

Chapter 2. Urban Archaeology in the Historic City of Charleston

Chapter 3. The Bountiful Coast

Chapter 4. Development of Charleston and the Lowcountry

Part II. The City and Coast: The Eighteenth Century

Chapter 5. Settlement

Chapter 6. Raiding and Trading

Chapter 7. Supplying the Early City

Part III. City Life

Chapter 8. Townhouse Life

Chapter 9. The Commercial City

Part IV. The Nineteenth Century

Chapter 10. The Crowded City

Chapter 11. Landscape Changes

Chapter 12. Archaeology in the City, Archaeology of the City

Appendix 1. Reports for Charleston Sites

Appendix 2. List of Sites Studied

Appendix 3. Vernacular and Scientific Names for Plants and Animals

Appendix 4. Charleston Artifact Assemblage

Appendix 5. Master Species List by MNI and Time Period

Appendix 6. Richness, Number of Identified Specimens, MNI, and Specimen Weight by Time Period

Notes

References

Index