Then and Now: Archeology at Fort Stanwix
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Cisterns

Cisterns were used to hold water before piped water was available. All water for household use came from these cisterns if there was no well or other supply. The importance of cisterns in the nineteenth century can be seen by the numbers of cisterns found in the excavations.
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A brick cistern found during the survey at Fort Stanwix. This brick cistern was associated with a household along Liberty Street. It was located during the initial archeological survey, and has been protected from damage. Below is a field drawing of the feature, looking from the opposite direction as the photograph.
Archeological drawing of the cistern found during the survey.
This large cistern has a domed roof, a common feature of large cisterns. The upper portion of the cistern is larger than the lower section giving it a shape like an ice-cream cone or mushroom. The wall of the hotel cut the cistern in half indicating that it was here before the hotel was built. This cistern had a bit of ceramic called pearlware at the bottom, which confirms its early date. Brick cistern found at the Willett Center site.
Cobblestone cistern found during monitoring. This cistern, unlike the others found during the archeology at Fort Stanwix, was built from cobblestones rather than brick. Because it was found outside of the footprint of the building, it was protected and preserved for future generations by the National Park Service.

 

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