The Archaeology of Forts and Battlefields

Forts and battlefields embody activities and locations where nations have come into conflict and where victory or defeat has determined the shape of modern American society. This book discusses some of the most dynamic archaeological projects that have been conducted at many of the most exciting forts and battlefields throughout the United States. David Starbuck discusses the history of American military conflicts and the techniques used for locating and documenting forts and battlefields. He addresses how archaeologists use modern scientific techniques to discover the remains of forts, battlefields, and other types of military encampments, as well as some of the problems encountered when dealing with human remains found at military sites. Referencing both terrestrial and underwater examples, Starbuck uses case studies from major North American military conflicts to explain how forensic anthropology has helped greatly in assigning "identity" to some of the forgotten soldiers and how archaeology has helped to protect sites and improve the accuracy of the reconstruction of forts and battlefields. Having directed excavations at several major military sites, and having visited many of the sites detailed in his book, Starbuck is able to provide a personal perspective on what survives of these forts and battlefields today and what they tell us about our past.