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David
R. Gilchrist
Introduction
& Background
Freshwater
Published
Articles
Beneath
Arctic Waters
Beneath
the Sweetwater Sea-Fathom Five National Marine Park
Haida
Gwaii-Beneath the Waves
Ontario
Marine Heritage Committee
Navy
Hall Archaeological Investigation
SPECIAL PLACES
SUBMERGED CULTURAL RESOURCES such as those located offshore in the Niagara River , at Navy Hall near Fort George are special places. They represent significant archaeological deposits that, when properly uncovered and documented tell much about the previous history of the site. Unfortunately sites such as this one have become the target of artifact hunters who have looted the site for personal gain. The poor conduct of a few divers at this site has been well documented over the years. Despite the bad publicity that these divers bring on the sport, others have continued to assist with the legitimate collection of data and information. Through several licensed archaeological projects, much has been learned about the site. Three separate investigations have occured and another one continues during the 1997 and 1998 season. Past studies have focused on the remains of a wharf foundation while current investigations are related to what may be the remains of a Batteaux that appears to have burned to the water line before sinking. This may have happened at the time of the Battle of Fort George, during the War of 1812. Opportunities do exist for divers to use their skills to map, photograph and document sites such as this.
Activities such as this would have been commonly seen at Navy Hall in the late 1700's to early 1800's. Photo by David Gilchrist .(Copyright ,1999)
