Archaeology of the War of 1812

This is the first summary of archaeological contributions to our understanding of the War of 1812, published as the war commemorates its 200th anniversary. The contributors of original papers discuss recent excavations and field surveys that present an archaeological perspective that enriches-- and often conflicts withreceived historical narratives. The studies cover fortifications, encampments, landscapes, shipwrecks, and battles in the midwestern, southern, mid-Atlantic, and northeastern regions of the United States and in Canada. In addition to archaeologists, this volume will appeal to military history specialists and other historians.

Michael Lucas is an archaeologist for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He is the principal investigator for archaeological excavations at Mount Calvert, where 500 British Marines landed during the War of 1812, and director of the Nottingham Archaeological Assessment Project. Julie Schablitsky serves as the chief archaeologist for the Maryland State Highway Administration. While her archaeological research includes historic-period domestic sites in the United States and Scotland, Julie has been involved with War of 1812 archaeological sites and surveys since 2010. The sites she has directed and co-directed include a War of 1812 shipwreck in the Patuxent River, the search for a British encampment in Benedict, Maryland, and the archaeological survey of the Battle of Caulk’s Field near Chestertown, Maryland. Julie also serves on War of 1812 bicentennial committees that report directly to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.