The archaeology of the American Revolution: A reappraisal and case study at the Continental Artillery Cantonment of 1778--1779, Pluckemin, New Jersey

This dissertation assesses the current status of the historical archaeology of the American Revolution and demonstrates new avenues of research which may enhance our understanding of the subject. The first segment of the research evaluates the present state of the field. Reviewing both historically and archaeologically derived knowledge of the Revolution, the dissertation compares and contrasts the major themes of historical and archaeological work. The archaeology of various sites is then reviewed. This is followed by an assessment of the successes and failures of archaeology. Out of this evaluation, suggestions are made for approaches which may expand research beyond previous limitations of study. Research questions are posed and methodological means of answering these questions are suggested. This reappraisal is followed by an application of its findings to a carefully selected test case. The test site, located in Pluckemin, New Jersey, was occupied in the winter of 1778-1779 by companies of the Continental Artillery, armourers, artificers, and field elements of the Military Stores Department. Investigation of the test case begins with a summary of historical research, out of which are proposed various hypotheses and research questions. These points are addressed and refined through successive stages of field research, including surface mapping, geophysical testing, intensive and systematic surface collection, and excavation of wide areas. The results suggest that surface studies, particularly the intrasite patterning of surface artifacts, can be highly predictive of subsurface remains. Various adjuncts to surface collection, including detailed overhead photography, are shown to be of great value, while the utility of geophysical testing is seriously questioned. The usefulness of plowzone contexts is demonstrated, along with the clear need for the excavation of wide areas, rather than the limited excavations conducted elsewhere. Excavations in enlisted and officers\u27 barracks, artificers\u27 quarters, and an armourer\u27s shop at Pluckemin provide new insight into the life of their occupants. They also force a reevaluation of architecture and other aspects of material culture, suggesting an improved logistical picture for this winter which is not part of the general conception of the Revolutionary War