history, right in coco’s back yard!
So I find myself surrounded by history living in London, and within walking distance of several time-honored landmarks built more than 300 years ago. Just minutes away, there’s Buckingham Palace, originally built in 1703 as a private townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, and a bit further is the Tower of London built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. So very surreal, yet completely exhilarating to see these ancient landmarks, in contrast, sitting next to the vibrant, present-day storefronts and impressive skyscrapers. Imagine seeing a modern architectural masterpiece like The Shard soaring 310 meters above your head and neighboring the century-old Tower Bridge. Impressive, to say the least.
But Old Town, Alexandria, is just as impressive, with its modern-day life thriving in an historical town founded in 1749. And just recently, we were reminded of our history when a 50-foot remnant of a ship’s hull dating back to the Revolutionary War was discovered at a construction site for a new hotel. Now that’s some kind of contrast! And how lucky were we at Coco Blanca to be one of the first to witness this discovery as our boutique backs to this fortunate construction site. Our photographer, Sarah Gargagliano, was among the first to take pics. And soon customers were racing to our store, ecstatic to share their photos taken alongside other archaeology enthusiasts. In no time, the story went international!
Not even here in London does a discovery like this happen but once in a lifetime. It is history in the making again for Alexandria, as archaeologists are searching for clues from the remains of this 300-year-old ship to solve the mystery of how it wound up on Alexandria’s waterfront. According to archaeologist, John Mullen, every inch of the vessel is being sifted and brushed and every timber from the frame is being carefully removed, piece by piece. To the experts, the discovery has been amazing because several items have been found still completely intact, including a Colonial-era pipe and lots of shoes.
This site is an archaeological treasure trove as even more artifacts were uncovered in an outhouse and warehouse found two months prior right next to the vessel’s hull. Dan Baicy, field director for the firm that was brought in to the site was quoted by Tor.com as saying, “It’s very rare. This almost never happens. In 15 years that I’ve done this work, I’ve never run into this kind of preservation in an urban environment where there’s so much disturbance.” Apparently, oxygen couldn’t get in to decay the wood because it is believed that the “ship was purposely sunk by letting in water and/or ripping holes in the hull (scuttled) sometime between 1775 and 1798.”
Modern day history in the making! I’m sure the 21st century Duchess Kate would smile at Alexandria’s newest find. After all, she was able to dust off the old title “Duchess,” take it out of its antechamber, and make it fresh and desirable for her own modern day style. Yes, my New Year’s resolution is all about living more in the moment, and there’s no time like the present, but a little history helps us appreciate it that much more!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
