Archaeology at the French Colonial Site of Old Mobile (Phase 1: 1989-1991)

Following the discovery by James C. "Buddy" Parnell of archaeological features at the French colonial site of Old Mobile, 1MB94, in the spring of 1989, the University of South Alabama began excavations and a systematic shovel testing survey of the site. With grant support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Alabama Historical Commission, the State of Alabama, and numerous private sponsors, the archaeological research team was able to locate, by 1991, the remains of at least 26 structures and to completely excavate two structures, a domestic dwelling and a blacksmith shop. The features discovered and artifacts recovered during this first phase (from April 1989 to June 1991) of the project are described in this report. Later publications cover additional fieldwork, as well as interpretive analyses of the material included here. Information gathered by 1991 confirmed the identity of the site as the original site of the French colonial town of Mobile, occupied from 1702 until 1711, during which time it served as the capital of the French colony of Louisiane. Some discoveries included abundant artifactual evidence of French-Spanish trade connections, of catlinite pipe manufacture for the calumet ceremony, and of Caribbean influence in house construction methods and floor plans.