Archaeologists excavating the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, are nearing the identification of the battle's hand-built earthen fortification, known as the redoubt, while uncovering artifacts dating back 251 years. The dig is one of the first at the historic battleground and aims to shed light on the fortification's precise location, which has eluded historians even after the construction of the Bunker Hill Monument.
The project, led by the City of Boston archaeology program and American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR), is particularly timely as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. Crews have discovered several artifacts consistent with the Revolutionary War era, including English and French gun flints, musket balls, 18th-century ceramics, and pipe stems. Joel Bohy, a historian and material culture specialist, noted the discovery of musket balls that suggest materials used by both sides of the conflict may be present within the same trench.
AVAR, a non-profit organization, assists veterans in transitioning to careers in professional archaeology, specializing in battlefields and conflict sites. Dr. Stephen Humphreys, CEO of AVAR, highlighted the dual importance of the project: its military and historical significance, and its ability to provide insight into the lived experiences of soldiers on the ground. He emphasized that for many who fought and died at Bunker Hill, artifacts like musket balls or gun flints are among the few tangible remnants left.
While the discoveries are significant, the team also acknowledges the human cost of the historical events. "As much as we get excited about these finds, we need to remember the human side of this also," Bohy stated, referencing the soldiers who fought and died on the site 251 years prior.
The artifacts recovered will undergo examination in a lab and will eventually be incorporated into a digital database. The City of Boston is considering extending the project, which was initially planned for two weeks. Meanwhile, parts of the AVAR team are preparing to work on a World War II bomber site in Sicily, continuing their mission to bring closure to families and illuminate military history.