America's Hidden Battlefields Protecting the Archeological Story
What we can learn from archeology
Archeology is the study of physical evidence found on the ground, underground, and underwater that past generations left behind.
Molly Hayes won fame as "Molly Pitcher" in June 1778 at Monmouth, New Jersey, where Gen. George Washington battled the British during the Revolutionary War. Hayes helped "man" Capt. Francis Proctor's 4-pounder field piece (see map below).When archeologists examine a site, they map the location of what they find: human-made items and biological remains. Then, like good detectives, the archeologists must study all of these clues in the light of relevant information from other sources and turn these bits of evidence into a story that will help us come to a better understanding of the past.
The archeologist’s job is not complete until that story has been told. Sometimes, when this new light is shed on old events, we can see more clearly what really happened, not just what others say happened. When archeological evidence is combined with historical records, documents, maps, pictures, and oral traditions, we gain a more complete understanding of the past than if any of these research tools were used alone.
Aided by computer technology, archeologists accurately mapped troop positions and artillery placement and even extrapolated direction and range of fire, as shown on this 153-acre topographic map of Monmouth Battlefield. The 4-pounder attended by Molly Pitcher is believed to have fired the lead-canister represented by blue on the left.
Archeology is especially important and useful in helping us to understand people and events about which little or nothing has been written. For example, many past civilizations left no written records, so archeology takes on paramount importance in our efforts to learn about those ancient peoples. In studying America’s more recent past, archeology helps us to understand life as it was lived by everyday people, not just the powerful, the famous, and the rich about whom so much has been written.For instance, archeological study has contributed much to our growing understanding of the formative roles of women and minorities in our history; it has provided us with a valuable window on everyday life as we grew from a colonial frontier to an agricultural society to a world industrial power.
Archeology on the battlefield
American soldiers at Fort McHenry defended the City of Baltimore, Maryland, against the British during the bombardment of September 13-14, 1814.When archeologists study a battlefield, our understanding of that battle often becomes clearer. An archeological study may reveal unmarked graves, bullets or cartridge cases, fragments of clothing, traces of lost roadways, old campsites, vanished buildings, lines of earthen fortifications, and even ships sunk in naval battles.
At Fort McHenry, restoration work uncovered the original brick support pillars, revealing archeological evidence of the early-19th century construction techniques.
Such evidence has been used to verify troop movements, map out battle actions in time and space, reveal previously unrecorded facets of the battles, and even disprove long-believed myths or “official” accounts.
Archeology offers us tangible, real evidence of soldiers waiting and fighting, advancing or retreating, constructing and defending fortifications, treating the wounded in hospitals, and burying the dead.
Archeological evidence is fragile
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