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5 Bodies Found During N.H. Excavation

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Nov 14, 2008 7:23 pm US/Eastern

5 Bodies Found During N.H. Excavation

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) ― Archaeologists have found the remains of five bodies in Portsmouth, N.H., which they believe are part of an 18th century African burial ground.

Wooden coffins, bone fragments and a human skull were discovered on Thursday shortly after workers began construction on a memorial marking the site.

In 2003, 13 coffins were discovered during a road excavation project. Experts determined the remains were part of a "Negro Burying Ground" shown on a 1705 city map and plans were made to build a park on the site as a memorial.

This new discovery could put those plans on hold until a decision is made whether to disinter the bodies for study or to leave them buried. Archaeologists believe there could be up to 200 people buried there.

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