Help Enrich Battle Understanding Through Archaeology

Battlefield archaeology is essential to improving our understanding of past conflicts. Where historians see only inexact written references to embattled landscapes, archaeologists see treasure troves of new historical information waiting to be discovered.  

Battlefields are covered in martial debris—buttons, cartridges, bayonets, shrapnel, and more. Even though they are buried underground, they have a story to tell—one that has never been told before. 

The Background 

At the American Battlefield Trust, we understand that the landscape is a critical historical resource. Just as we can learn about how a battle unfolded through topography, we can gain deeper knowledge from artifacts and features below the surface of the land.  

Modern archaeologists don’t rely on luck. To make their discoveries, they employ sophisticated metal detectors, ground penetrating radar and other 21st century techniques to identify areas for investigation. After locating an item, the team carefully digs out the item, being careful not to damage or disturb the potential artifact. 

When an item is uncovered it is placed in a protective bag, assigned a unique catalogue number, and a small flag is placed where it was located. After the dig, the artifacts are inputted into Geographic Information Software (GIS), and a map of the survey site is created. This software, combined with a laser measuring and GPS system, ensures that an artifact's exact location is identified. 

Location is the critical element of battlefield archaeology that enables us to expand our understanding of a battle. When the dig is complete and the map is compiled, the distribution of artifacts can show fields of fire, areas of engagement, and unit positions. Grouping of spent and deformed musket balls show where units came under heavy fire. Similarly, concentrations of dropped cartridges can show where the lines were located. Identifying canister, grapeshot, and solid shot, all help show what the artillery was targeting.

The Opportunity 

The need for archaeological study to help us deepen our understanding of important battles is far-reaching and ongoing. Projects occur on Trust-owned land regularly, and we support partner groups and the National Park Service with their own efforts.  

American Veterans Archaeological Recovery Field School at Camden 

Since 2019, the American Battlefield Trust has been a proud supporter of efforts to enlist modern warriors in “rehabilitation archaeology” on our nation’s historic battlefields. Working with American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR), we have twice sent contemporary veterans to assist professional projects at Saratoga National Historical Park, plus other efforts military history units of the National Park System. We also supported their involvement in the multi-year Finding Medina project, to conclusively determine the site of the bloodiest battle in Texas history, an August 18, 1813, engagement that marked a critical moment in the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule.

AVAR’s work puts former military personnel in a new kind of trench and helps them heal from their wounds, both seen and unseen. They see a tangible example of their skills being useful and relevant. And when that work is performed on a battlefield, where the veterans bring a level of understanding and connection that no civilian can hope to possess, the impact is even more profound. 

In late January 2025, the Trust will welcome AVAR to its protected land in Camden, S.C., for an innovative combat archaeology field school. Our partnership is removing the financial burden from this important academic prerequisite for veterans who hope to transition into careers in archaeology.

Join us in supporting AVAR's volunteer program; your gift will help deepen our understanding of American history.