It’s The Little Things That Matter: Rethinking Peripheral Terrain At The Battle Of Monmouth, June 28, 1778

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Revisiting Revolutionary America" , at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Extensively studied archaeologically and historically, the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778 in central New Jersey showcased Washington’s ability to stand against the British Army and hold the field of battle. The New Jersey militia was important to this success. They harassed the British Army leading to the battle and commanded key terrain that enabled the Americans to advance from Englishtown toward the higher undulating topography of Monmouth Courthouse. Recent metal detection and military terrain analysis resulted in the archaeological identification and interpretation of an undocumented skirmish that took place between American and British forces at the western, formerly understudied outskirts of the battlefield. Recovered musket balls forced a re-examination and identification of key terrain that may have influenced the course of the battle.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Revisiting Revolutionary America   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2021

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology