Using Old Post Roads to Predict Artifact Deposits From Mail Carriers or Travelers

The study of artifact deposits left by historical travelers, particularly mail carriers on old post roads, offers a unique perspective into past human behaviors and social networks. These roads, often pivotal in the movement of people and goods, can provide archaeologists and historians with data-rich contexts to analyze historical artifact distributions. Understanding how these routes functioned offers insights into the types of artifacts that might be found along them, thereby improving archaeological predictive models.

The Historical Context of Post Roads

Post roads emerged in the colonial and early American periods as essential arteries for communication and commerce. Established to facilitate the delivery of mail and goods, these roads linked towns and cities, becoming lifelines for travelers. Notable examples include the Boston Post Road and the Philadelphia Post Road, which connected major urban centers and contributed significantly to the economic and social development of the regions they traversed.

The earliest post roads came into existence as formalized networks in the 18th century, and legislative acts, such as the Postal Act of 1792, began to establish guidelines for their maintenance and use. Understanding these historical pathways allows modern-day researchers to consider not only the routes taken but also the nature of the artifacts left behind. For example, the Boston Post Road is known to yield a variety of artifacts such as coins, pottery, and personal items, as it was heavily traveled by different classes of society.

Artifact Distribution Patterns

When analyzing artifact deposits associated with mail carriers and travelers along post roads, it is crucial to consider the factors influencing these deposits. The distribution of artifacts can be significantly affected by:

Location of Stopping Points: Frequent stopping locations, such as inns or taverns, tend to have higher concentrations of artifacts due to their role in lodging and commerce.
Traveler Demographics: The social status and occupations of travelers can influence the types of artifacts left behind. Wealthier individuals may have lost items of greater value, while everyday travelers might leave behind more commonplace goods.
Environmental Conditions: Natural factors, such as soil composition and moisture, can affect artifact preservation, resulting in differential deposition across various segments of the road.

Methodologies for Prediction

Predictive archaeological modeling is a crucial methodology used to estimate where artifacts from post roads might be discovered. This approach relies on comparing historical maps, records of mail routes, and archaeological survey data. Common methodologies include:

GIS Mapping: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology enables researchers to overlay historical post road maps with present-day geographical data, helping to identify likely artifact hotspots.
Site Surveys: Systematic archaeological surveys along identified old post road segments can yield artifact collections that reflect traveler behaviors, thereby refining predictive models.
Excavation Data: Data from previous excavations can also inform the expected types and distributions of artifacts, guiding future surveys.

Case Studies

Several notable case studies exemplify the successful application of these methodologies. In New York, an archaeology project along the remnants of the Albany Post Road uncovered a plethora of artifacts, including 19th-century ceramics and personal effects such as buttons and coins. Such findings indicate where travelers congregated and point to the socioeconomic status of those moving along these routes.

Another significant study conducted in Virginia analyzed mail routes used during the Civil War. Investigators used archival materials to identify old roads used by battlefield couriers and then employed GIS mapping to discover areas with high potential for artifact concentrations, including soldierâ€™s personal items and military paraphernalia. The results bolstered understandings of logistical operations during the war and indicated human behaviors tied to specific historical events.

Conclusion and Actionable Takeaways

Using old post roads to predict artifact deposits provides an innovative approach to understanding historical travel dynamics and artifact lifecycles. By leveraging historical records, GIS technology, and systematic surveys, researchers can make informed predictions about where artifacts may be found and enhance archaeological excavation strategies.

Key takeaways for practitioners in the field include:

Assess the historical significance and traffic patterns of post roads in your region.
Incorporate GIS tools to identify and map likely artifact deposition sites.
Use existing excavation records to refine predictive models and survey strategies.

The integration of historical knowledge with advanced predictive methodologies ultimately enriches our understanding of Americaâ€™s travel and communication history, providing a clearer lens into the daily lives of those who traversed its old post roads.