Skeletons found in eastern Canada date back to 19th century

OTTAWA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Two nearly intact skeletons found near a historic site in Canada's Quebec Province date back to the 19th century or even earlier, archaeologists say.

The skeletons were discovered by construction workers in February while breaking ground for new washroom facilities for the Plains of Abraham, a famous historic site which sits outside Quebec City.

Bioarcheologist Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd said Friday that the skeletons may be buried before 1900, because a drain was placed underground in 1900 and the coffins were below the drain.

There are also a number of artifacts at the site for archaeologists to help pinpoint the age of the skeletons. One skeleton had shoe buckles on its feet and the other had some buttons with it. Also, the nails used in the coffins can be studied to determine their date.

Archaeologists believe that one skeleton is a teenaged boy and the other an adult woman.

The site is the place where the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place, which was fought between the British and French armies during the Seven Years' War.