"To Drain This Country": Historical Archeology And The Demands Of The War For Independence In The Route 301 Corridor

Summary

The Upper Delmarva Peninsula was a region on the periphery of military activity during the American Revolution. For a short time in 1777 the area witnessed some troop movements and experienced the effects of invasion and war. The longer lasting impact on the region was the constant need for foodstuffs and materiél required of the fledging American nation. With no strong logistical system, state and national governments called on their civilian population to fill the void. While the 1777 campaign had a limited effect on the agrarian landscape of New Castle County, the continuous "draining" by Delaware militia, American, and loyalist forces of the region’s livestock, agricultural produce, and other items necessary to prosecute the war had long-term effects. Archeology in the 301 Corridor has recovered artifacts and features that reflect the demands of war on an agrarian population in an area removed from direct military conflict.    

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016   •
• New Highway Uncovers New Histories: Archaeology Mitigations From the U.S. Route 301 Mega Project in Delaware

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 324