19th-Century Burial Vault Full Of Human Remains Discovered By Washington

New York City workers upgrading underground water mains in Greenwich Village discovered an 8-foot-deep burial vault from the 19th century.

The crews were working at Washington Square Park East and Waverly Place when they discovered part of a church burial ground, according to archaelogist Alyssa Loorya. Washington Square Park has been the scene for numerous archeological findings in recent years. This is what it looks like inside: And here’s a wider look at the first vault: Archaeologists and anthropologists were out at the site Thursday to gather more information.

“It is a little creepy, yeah”, one resident told WCBS.

Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora said that his agency with working with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to “evaluate the extent and significance of the vault and its contents”.

In 2005, the Emergency Coalition to Save Washington Square Park tried-and failed-to sue the City, claiming that any renovations to the Park would be disrespectful to the thousands of bodies allegedly buried between 8 and 13 feet below the surface.

Gothamist reported in 2008 that the burial site for the indigent of New York was a burial site between 1797 and 1826.

In addition to a burial ground, the Daily Mail stated in a related report, legend has it that the area was also the site of public executions.