A rare American-built gunboat from the Revolutionary War, unearthed at Ground Zero, is now on display at the New York State Museum in Albany. The ship, discovered during an excavation of the World Trade Center site in July 2010, has been under study for over a decade. Historians and preservationists have been working diligently to uncover its history, identifying it as a ‘rare’ American-built gunboat from the 1770s. The vessel was used during the American Revolution but was decommissioned after about two decades of service. By the 1790s, it was repurposed as landfill to expand New York City, ultimately ending up beneath what would become the World Trade Center.
The New York State Museum announced in a mid-May press release that the ship will be housed at its Albany headquarters, where it will be exhibited in a special display. The museum’s statement emphasized the significance of the artifact, highlighting that it stands as one of the few American-built Revolutionary War ships to be identified, studied, and preserved in New York State. This exhibit is set to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, adding to its historical importance. The ship’s discovery and subsequent restoration have involved experts from Texas A&M University’s historical preservation team, who have played a crucial role in the research and preservation process.
The excavation uncovered more than 600 pieces of wood and approximately 2,000 artifacts, including musketballs, providing further insight into the vessel’s history and the era it represents. The museum’s curator, Devin Lander, described the exhibit as ‘history in its rawest, most thrilling form,’ emphasizing the unique opportunity to witness the intersection of archaeology, storytelling, and national identity. The exhibit not only showcases the ship’s physical form but also tells a story of bravery, survival, and national struggle, standing as a physical reminder of the courage and grit of the American Revolution. As the ship is reconstructed and displayed, it serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom in the 18th century.