Shipwreck From 1800s Uncovered in Boston's Seaport District

The wooden vessel was at least 50-feet long

A construction project in Boston has led to the discovery of a nearly 200-year-old shipwreck.

The remains of a wooden vessel from the mid- to late-19th century were discovered Wednesday by construction crews on Seaport Boulevard. They are at least 50 feet long.

"It's in pretty good shape considering it's been somehow avoiding construction for the past couple of weeks," said Joe Bagley, a city archaeologist. 

"This is actually highly unusual for Boston," said Vic Mastrone, an underwater archaeologist. "We know a lot of vessels were wrecked and abandoned and this is an abandoned vessel. But typically you don't find them in the fill tidelands. They're usually gone or they're not even noticed." 

Archeologists said the ship is in good condition because it has been buried in clay, which helped preserve it. They believe the ship may have been carrying lime and that it burned before it sank.

An archaeology team will be on the site for a few days studying the location, excavating, and taking samples and pictures. They might even take a 3D scan, but the wreck won't be removed. 

New York-based construction company Skanska USA is meeting with city officials to discuss the discovery.

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