Builders' House
Archaeological Site
| | Old Salem Museums & Gardens | |
On January 6, 1766, a dozen brethren came from nearby Bethabara and Bethania to the site chosen for the new Moravian town of Salem. That afternoon they felled trees to build a one-story log structure, known as the "Builders' House," for shelter during construction of the town. Following the formal occupation of Salem in 1772, it was used by a farmer and his family.
In 1834 Heinrich Shaffner was given permission to establish a pottery here on Lot 81. The Builder's House served as the pottery shop, and he added a kiln, dry house, pug mill, and warehouse to the operation (see image at right). The pottery operated until the turn of the 20th century, and the house and several outbuildings stood until 1907. Excavations on this lot by Old Salem Department of Archaeology (2000-2008) resulted in significant finds and new information about the Moravian pottery tradition.
Erected by Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1766.
Location. 36° 5.459′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont and specifically in Piedmont Triad. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Builders House Lighting Project (here, next to this marker); The Plank Road Comes to Salem (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mickey Coffee Pot (about 300 feet away); Salem Town Hall (about 400 feet away); Schmidt Blacksmith Shop (1768)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 428 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
