Page 107 - Maryland Historical Trust - Archaeology Colonial MD

their property. Within short order, London was up and running with a ferry, 3-5 public houses or taverns, shops and tenements being constructed on the lots of the various property owners. The town also served, for a brief period of time, as the seat of Anne Arundel County government and was a candidate for the colonial capital — even- tually losing out to nearby Annapolis.
The archaeology of London Town is too ex- haustive a topic for one chapter and could be the subject of an entire volume. Intensive excavations at the site began in the 1990s and work at the site continues to this day. It is mentioned here because of its stark contrast to the settlement patterns of Providence and Herrington. Far from being a “hamlet” like Providence, London Town consisted of over 40 residential and commercial lots, streets, and public spaces, packed into an area less than one quarter square mile. And unlike Herrington, it was not a linear settlement oriented along a major road. By the late 18th century it would all be gone, leaving mere remnants for the trowels of the archaeologists.
The Descendant of Providence
Although Providence is treated as a “lost town,” in actuality it still remains on the landscape. During the initial settlement the main population concen- tration was located north of the Severn River in the area of Whitehall Bay, but some early town lands existed in the areas south of the river known as Eastport and Annapolis. In fact, Annapolis is the direct lineal descendant of Providence. As the population concentration shifted, political consid- erations were reflected in a series of name changes from Providence to Severn, Arrundelton, Anne Arundel’s Town and finally Annapolis.
After the colonial capital was moved from St. Mary’s City to Annapolis in 1694 the town accelerated its rapid growth. By the 18th century the splendid brick architecture and public build- ings earned Annapolis the title of the “Athens of America.” Today, an artist’s rendition of the Puritans and Susquehannock meeting to trade skins hangs over every Annapolis city council meeting, and the thriving state capital and famous sailing locale still recall their Providence origins by proclaiming “founded in 1649.”
figure 16
The reconstructed carpenter’s shop at London Town.
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