The remnants of a colonial-era iron tasset, a component of armor designed to protect the thighs, have been unearthed at Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland. This discovery sheds light on the early days of the colony and the equipment carried by its settlers.
Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first colonial capital, has been the focus of ongoing archaeological excavations, revealing glimpses into America’s colonial past. Since 2020, the archaeological team has been meticulously excavating St. Mary’s Fort, a structure dating back to 1634 and recognized as one of Maryland’s earliest colonial sites. The recently discovered tasset, initially caked in mud, underwent X-ray imaging, which unveiled decorative steel bands and rivets that once held the piece together.
The dirt-encrusted tasset shortly after excavation.X-ray image of the tasset revealing its construction. Photo: Historic St. Mary’s City
“Considering the early context of the find (circa 1634-early 1640s), it’s highly probable that the tasset was brought over from Europe,” explains Travis Parno, Historic St. Mary’s City’s director of research and collections. “Blacksmithing was limited in St. Mary’s City during that period.” This suggests that the colonists relied on imported equipment during the fort’s early years. The discovery of this discarded tasset, along with a previous similar find at St. Mary’s City, further supports the theory that such armor pieces were brought from Europe but ultimately deemed unnecessary in the colonial environment.
The tasset was recovered from the cellar of “Structure 101,” identified as Maryland’s first storehouse. Only about 20% of the cellar associated with this storehouse has been excavated so far. The ongoing excavations have also unearthed other artifacts, including decorative metal braiding, a pair of colonial-era scissors, and the outline of a substantial building constructed soon after the colonists’ arrival.
Archaeological excavations at St. Mary's City.Ongoing excavations at St. Mary’s Fort. Photo: Historic St. Mary’s City
Excavations at St. Mary’s Fort are projected to continue for the next decade, promising further insights into Maryland’s colonial history. However, the public can experience the discoveries firsthand: the excavation site is accessible through tours offered by Historic St. Mary’s City. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the ongoing archaeological work and learn about the emerging narrative of early colonial life.
This discovery contributes to a growing understanding of the challenges and adaptations faced by early colonists in Maryland. The discarded tasset symbolizes the evolving needs and priorities of the settlers as they established their new lives in the American colonies.
