Abstract

The islands Kusön and Kusö kalv are part of a small archipelago just outside the Axmar ironworks, along the northernmost coast of Gästrikland. Axmar ironworks acquired the islands already in 1672. Although the waters directly off the iron works are the best known maritime cultural environment in Gävleborg county, the large islands of Kusön and Kusö kalv have remained largely unexplored. In an effort to change this, the Gävleborg county museum carried out an archaeological survey on the islands in 2024. The survey resulted in 28 new sites, of which the majority are made up of remains from charcoal production, hunting hideouts and sea marks. The project also included a limited archival study which has revealed information that help detail the islands’ history from the 1670s and onwards, particularly in relation to the charcoal production for the iron works, which can be traced back to the turn of the 18th century. In addition, the islands are positioned in well trafficked waters which can be traced through archaeological remains such as wrecks and sea marks, natural harbours as well as historical sources.