Local Historical Presentation: 1642 Abraham Preble Garrison in York Maine, excavated in 2021-2022

Program Type:

Local History

Age Group:

Adults
  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will close on February 27, 2026 @ 9:00am.
  • There are 70 seats remaining.

Event Details

Join us for this historical presentation about the Phase III Data Recovery of the Abraham Preble Garrison on York Street in York Maine excavated in 2021-2022. Tables of artifacts from the dig will be on display.

The Abraham Preble Site in York Maine began as a family homestead in 1642 and was later fortified to serve as a militia garrison and place-of-refuge during King William’s War (1688-1697), a destructive frontier conflict that pitted the English Colonists against the native Wabnaki and their French allies. 

Intensive archaeological excavations in 2021 and 2022 revealed at least nine buildings stood in and adjacent to successive palisade lines, marking the site’s evolution. Confined to an area of 800 m², many of the structures appeared contemporary with the most intensive period of occupation, when the complex housed not just the Preble family, but the militia garrison and as many of 100 refugees from nearby farmsteads. 

This presentation summarizes the results of the 2021-2022 Phase III excavations; while providing historical context, it will focus on the physical layout of the site and architectural evidence for the buildings that stood within the complex.

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