Historical Archaeology of the Revolutionary War Encampments of Washington's Army

This volume presents recent archaeological and ethnohistorical research on the encampments, trails, and support structures of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. These sites illuminate the daily lives of soldiers, officers, and camp followers away from the more well-known military campaigns and battles.

The research featured here includes previously unpublished findings from the winter encampments at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as well as work from sites in Redding, Connecticut, and Morristown, New Jersey. Topics range from excavations of a special dining cabin constructed for General George Washington to ballistic analysis of a target range established by General von Steuben. Contributors use experimental archaeology to learn how soldiers constructed their log hut quarters, and they reconstruct Rochambeau's marching route through Connecticut on his way to help Washington defeat the British at Yorktown. They also describe the underrecognized roles of African descendants, Native peoples, and women who lived and worked at the camps.

Showing how archaeology can contribute insights into the American Revolution beyond what historical records convey, this volume calls for protection of and further research into non-conflict sites that were crucial to this formative struggle in the history of the United States.

Author: Cosimo A. Sgarlata
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Published: 07/16/2019
Pages: 290
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.29lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.69d
ISBN: 9780813056401

About the Author

Cosimo A. Sgarlata is instructor of anthropology at Western Connecticut State University. David G. Orr, professor emeritus of anthropology at Temple University, is coeditor of Huts and History: The Historical Archaeology of Military Encampment during the American Civil War. Bethany A. Morrison, instructor of anthropology at Western Connecticut State University, is coeditor of Lifeways in the Northern Maya Lowlands: New Approaches to Archaeology in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Contributors: Cosimo Sgarlata Joseph Balicki Joseph R. Blondino Douglas Campana Wade P. Catts Daniel Cruson Mathew Grubel Mary Harper Diane Hassan David G. Orr Julia Steele Laurie Weinstein