National Park Service
A hearth that still stands today from the original fort.
Between 1965 and 1976, archeologists explored and delineated the location and material remains of Fort Stanwix/Fort Schuyler. They carefully excavated features associated not only with the fort, but with houses and business that were built on top of the fort and its grounds. During this period, over 400,000 18th, 19th, and 20th century artifacts were discovered, as well as the remains of the fort's original structures. Inside the reconstructed North Casemate lies the remains of a hearth.
In 1971, the hearth, shown in the photo gallery below, was uncovered and photographed. It was judged to be one of the original structures of the fort. After studies were completed it was reburied until 1978, when the reconstruction of the North Casemate was completed. At this time it is on display for the public to see.
Over the years the hearth has been exposed to varying extremes in temperature and humidity, which contributed to its gradual deterioration. Nothing can be done to restore its original condition, and the ever changing environment will continue to affect it. We are trying to keep the environment as stable as possible to slow deterioration of the hearth.
Today, this hearth stands as a reminder of the lessons the National Park Service continues to learn about preserving and exhibiting masonry structures like it in relatively harsh conditions.
