Come join Corn Island Archaeology, the Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society (FOAS) and KHC archaeologist Stephanie Dooley
Over 200 years ago, the area that is now Jeffersontown was settled by Revolutionary War Veterans and other colonizers. Some twelve miles southeast of Louisville, the small community of Brunerstown-as it was known then-was formed on 122 acres at the intersection of two rough routes that carried settlers south and east of Louisville from the Falls of the Ohio River. The town, officially incorporated in 1797, became a hub to serve the needs of the settlers who preferred not to make the long trip into Louisville for supplies. Commerce at this crossroads steadily grew and diversified, providing a broad spectrum of commodities and services including blacksmith shops, mills, tobacconists, breweries, hotels, wheelwrights, and saddlers…. and….. a pottery (https://www.jeffersontownky.com/232/History).
One of the more important of the early settlers of the town was Valentine Conrad, a third-generation descendant of German immigrants. Conrad was a surveyor, town trustee, church elder, farmer and landowner, and a potter. The brick kilns that he constructed are still intact in the side yard of the brick house he built around 1803 not far from the intersection of the crossroads in the heart of what is now Jeffersontown. Conrad arrived in Jefferson County around 1801, having left the Winston Salem area of North Carolina in 1796 and traveling west across the state of Kentucky. He brought with him the artistry and technology of the rich German Mid-Atlantic Tradition of colorful slip-decorated redware. Conrad’s wares were widely distributed throughout the early community and shipped as far as New Orleans via steamboats at Shippingport.
Come join us this month as Corn Island Archaeology and the Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society (FOAS) once again explore the remains of the Conrad Pottery in recognition of Archaeology Month in both Kentucky in Indiana. On Saturday, September 15, 2023 (10 a.m. until dark) during the annual street fair that is the Gaslight Festival, excavation will occur near the location of a recently discovered ceramic waster pit dating to 1812 which was exposed by sidewalk and streetscape improvements along Watterson Trail. The public is invited to join us in excavation, screening, artifact washing and sorting, and vessel reconstruction. The excavation will take place in the side yard of the office building of Corn Island Archaeology at 10320 Watterson Trail (the old Seaton House). Free tours of the house will include a display of the amazing recently discovered pieces created by this highly talented craftsman. Stop by our booth at the corner of Watterson Trail and College to learn more about archaeology and what it can tell us about the extensive depth of Native American history, as well as the rich heritages of our Black and European ancestors.
For more information, email Anne at abader@ciarch.com.
Have you always wanted to be an archaeologist? This is your chance to find out what it is like, as you are sure to find something exciting. Over the last 15 years of public education at the site, we have never failed to find something beautiful and totally new. Come explore a part of Jeffersontown’s colorful history.
30 Days of Kentucky Archaeology 