Quote:
Originally Posted by Nanyika
I don't mean to move this thread off topic but solely to answer and correct some historical statements. The George Heap drawing of 1754 clearly shows that the walls of the old fort (the Association Battery) surrounded a hill, or ridge. This was the southern flank of the high ground that Old Swedes' Church lies on today, near what is today Federal Street. It was not on an "outcrop into the river" but set back on the bank of the river. Nicholas Scull's 1762 map (google the Library of Congress map collection to view it) shows that the fort was approximately on a line with Swanson Street. Therefore, if any foundation stones from the old walls remain, they would likely be west of Delaware Avenue, not to the east. The other, smaller battery that John III mentions was on Atwood's Wharf, opposite Lombard St.
I am pleased with the fact that John III cites an article on the Preserve Old Swedes website. I am on the board of that corporation, and I have lectured and written articles that touch on this very topic, which appear on the site.
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You're on the board of the Preserve Olde Swedes corporation! Then I've probably seen you a ton of times and didn't know. The website said it was underground; it should probably be corrected then.
If we ever get a Subway on Delaware Avenue I suppose we'll find out one way or another; there's no telling what's really down there; old cannon etc. I'm pretty sure we've crossed paths before now. The George Heap drawing of 1754 seems to show both points; I see the ridge or hill its within the ramparts that just out into the river; the river seems to be right up against it. I love old maps. The Nicholas Scull's 1762 is totally different; it doesn't show the water right up against the ramparts; and you're right if we use this map; the fort doesn't stand out into the river but it also doesn't show the hill that the Heap Map does; they seem to differ.
When it comes to development on Delaware Avenue being that this is to stay on topic we have a very odd event; markets on the street suggesting one thing as with the website I showed you; and these maps which may or may not contradict. If a subway ever comes and of course this is very speculative I suppose we'll know in time what's in that area.
I would love to see that area with ground penetrating radar; such a project would show a lot of interesting things.