Archaeological Dig Unearths Mystery From The Past In Bucks Co. Town

NEWTOWN, PA — The foundation of an 18th-century building involved in a famous robbery by Bucks County’s Doan Gang during the American Revolution has been discovered by archaeologists in Newtown Borough.

The Bucks County Treasury was robbed by the infamous "Doan Gang," a network of Loyalists in Bucks County who supported Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The Gang robbed tax collectors, militia members, and other citizens who supported the Revolutionary cause.

On October 22, 1781 - 244 years ago to the day - the Gang made off with 1200 Spanish silver dollars, 400 French crowns, and a large amount of cash – tax money that was meant to fund the Revolution.

Phase I archaeological testing was conducted on the site of the former Bucks County Treasury in Newtown in May, part of research for the Mercer Museum’s ongoing major exhibition, "The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution," presented by the Bucks County Historical Society.

Working with Matt Bielecki of Stony Hill Archaeological Research, BCHS staff and members of the community excavated four test pits on the site of the former Treasury, which was built when Newtown was the Bucks County seat. Members of the public had the opportunity to witness the excavations and learn about archaeological methods from Bielecki and his staff.

During the dig, archaeologists found parts of the original foundation as well as numerous artifacts, including an English pistol gunflint.

The dig site in Newtown. (Bucks County Historical Society)

From 1726 to 1813, Newtown served as the Bucks County seat of government. This model, commissioned by the Newtown Historic Association, depicts the courthouse complex facing Centre Avenue. The treasury building is located in the center. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The dig site in Newtown. (Bucks County Historical Society)

"We are very grateful to Matt Bielecki for coordinating this preliminary excavation, as well as to the property owners and members of the Newtown Historic Association who helped make the excavation possible," said BCHS Senior Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Historical Properties Cory Amsler. "We anticipate that the artifacts recovered in the dig will eventually enter the collections of the historical society's Mercer Museum - some to be placed on view in conjunction with our ongoing Doan Gang exhibition."

The original Treasury building, which was once part of a complex that also included a prison and courthouse, was demolished in 1873. For decades, it was unclear whether anything remained of the original structure. The recent archaeological testing put that mystery to rest.

“It was so exciting when we actually hit rock and lime mortar in the test pits, exactly where historic maps of the old building told us we should," said BCHS Exhibit Specialist Clint Flack, who participated in the excavations and co-curated the Doan Gang exhibition at the Mercer Museum. “To think there’s still something left of the building that the Doan Gang encountered on that night in 1781 really makes the history of that time period come alive.”

The artifacts found during the excavations will be analyzed in Bielecki’s laboratory, and a full report on the project will be completed. BCHS and Bielecki hope to conduct further Phase III testing on the site in spring 2026, where more of the original foundation and other artifacts from the Doan Gang’s time may be discovered.

"The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution" is on exhibit at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown through Dec. 31, 2026. Entry to the exhibition is included with general Mercer Museum admission. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule, ticket, and program information, along with an exhibition trailer, is available by clicking here.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Cascade Foundation, Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Susan E. Kane, Jim & Kathy Morrison, Connelly Foundation, The Morel Family Foundation, Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, Doan Distillery, The Argus Fund, Penn Color, Janet Schimek, Molly Lowell & Rich Duvall, Brian & Louise McLeod, Bob & Alice Vernon, Bucks County Foundation, The First National Bank & Trust Co. of Newtown, Linda B. Hodgdon, The London Purchase Farm, Dynasty Advisors, and Fulton Bank.