Coastal Adaptations Implemented in Historic Chestnut Neck

Summary

This is a poster submission presented at the 2025 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

This poster aims to discuss changing landscapes and the adaptations employed by the coastal community in a historic town on the Mullica River in New Jersey. During the colonial period, privateers used this landscape along with local knowledge to evade capture by British vessels. Leading up to the Battle of Chestnut Neck an earthen breastwork was built by colonists in 1778. In the 19th century, the remains of the earthen fort were used as a foundation for a home to protect it from shifting water levels. Post Super Storm Sandy, homes in the area were placed on stilts to protect them from future severe weather events. Remote sensing, archival research, and oral histories can provide insight into the adaptations implemented by the community both past and present.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025   •
• 2025 SHA Poster Submissions

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow