Archaeologists Uncover Details on 18th Century Ship In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The City of Alexandria shared new details about the 50-foot 18th century ship uncovered in late 2015 on Union Street near the waterfront.

Scientists determined the age of the wooden ship by counting tree rings, WTOP reported. The ship was built with trees from Boston chopped down after 1741, said Alexandria archaeologist Benjamin Skolnik Saturday. The oldest tree rings date back to 1603, four years before English settlers arrived at Jamestown.

Early Alexandrians sank the ship sometime between 1788 and 1796, according to Skolnik.

Patch reported in that the city uncovered the 18th century ship in December 2015. The city had also uncovered a 260-year-old warehouse at the site in September 2015.

Archaeologists began uncovering Alexandria's historical sites in 1961. Since then over 200 sites have registered in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Archaeologists are keeping the ship preserved in water tanks funded supported by a conservation fund. According to ABC2News, the city is looking for professional conservationists to preserve and display the ship, which would take five to six years. Skolnik said there will be a "bon voyage" for the public to see the ship off.

Images via City of Alexandria