The Archaeology of the American Revolution

New interpretations of the Revolutionary War era in a wide-ranging collection of cutting-edge archaeology and interdisciplinary insights

Although the American Revolutionary War has been extensively studied by archaeologists, this volume is the first to take a holistic approach to this storied conflict, incorporating perspectives of the field and related disciplines. The Archaeology of the American Revolution draws on the expertise of a variety of scholars who move beyond the traditional focus on military camps, battlefields, and famous leaders to provide fresh insights into the war’s broader impacts.

This volume connects historical narratives with material culture, explores how cutting-edge archaeological methods like LiDAR and drone technology have illuminated previously undiscovered sites, and examines how material remnants and memorials shape the ways the war is remembered. The diversity of approaches in these chapters, including archaeology, public history, and forensic anthropology, offers brand-new perspectives on often-studied events. Topics range from the earliest days of the war in New England to the fighting in the mid-Atlantic and finally the partisan conflicts in the southern campaign.

The research gathered in this volume is essential for understanding the multifaceted nature of the American Revolution and the many ways this era can be studied. In bringing together interdisciplinary contributions, this collection enhances, questions, and even contradicts accepted beliefs about the Revolution, offering valuable new interpretations of this critical period in American history.