For 1999-2000, The Croatan Project received two grants. The Richard J. Reynolds III and Marie Reynolds Foundation provided $27,000. The Michael W. Kelly Fund of the Outer Banks Community Foundation gave an added $1500. With these funds the project is able to continue. Dig operations on Hatteras Island are scheduled for October 25, 1999 through November 19, 1999, and for two weeks in early May. On this page are an explanation of the stratigraphy and photos of some of the artifacts unearthed during last year's season.

Stratigraphy at Croatan

 

The top layer is dune sand accumulated since AD 1750.

 

 

 

The black layer represents the historic Croatan (later Hatteras) Indian town of AD 1600 to 1760.

 

The shell layer represents the earlier Croatan from AD 1100 to 1600.

Croatan clay pots were reconstructed from shards found at the site.

   

 A typical Croatan clay pot

This type is called Colington Fabric Impressed and has an elaborate geometric design incised into the surface.

 Upper fragment of a Colington Plain vessel

The surface has been burnished (polished) with a pebble to make it smooth and slick.

European Artifacts

   
 The gold signet ring with the crest of a walking lion. The lion symbol has been traced to the Kendall family, and its presence at Croatan probably links it to a "Master" Kendall who was a member of the Ralph Lane colony on Roanoke Island in 1585 to 1586.   Two English copper farthings (1/4 cent coins) produced under the reign of Charles II in the 1670s. These came from the workshop at Croatan and help date the workshop to the period of 1600 to 1750.

About the Site

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This page was created and is maintained by Nancy Cowal.

The information and photos were provided by Dr. David Phelps, Project Director.