The Most Advantageous Situation in the Highlands: An Archaeological Study of Fort Montgomery State Historic Site

Archaeological excavations at Fort Montgomery from 1967 to 1971 produced a large collection of over 140,000 artifacts and their associated records. The 225th anniversary of the Revolutionary War battle at this site resulted in recent efforts to stabilize the existing remains, analyze the archaeological collection, and expand the interpretation of the fort’s history.

Archaeologists from the New York State Museum studied this collection in order to describe the fort, the buildings, and the activities of the occupants. This research resulted in new interpretations of Fort Montgomery National Historic Landmark that are presented in this volume. Archaeological excavations have provided the details of the fort’s construction that indicate it was planned and constructed to be a major, permanent fortification. All of the buildings evidenced use as living quarters except the Powder Magazine and Necessary. Artifacts, such as the large ceramic collection, indicate food preparation and consumption varied among the social groups present at the fort. Buttons from military uniforms of American and British Regiments were excavated and are discussed in further detail. Lead shot sizes represent weapons present at various locations within the fort. This 182 page book is profusely illustrated with 121 figures and 22 tables. It is divided into 14 chapters detailing structural remains, artifacts, summary, and interpretations of main and L-shaped barracks, storehouse, north redoubt, grand battery, bakehouse, guardhouse, soldier’s necessary, powder magazine, equipment and clothing, and faunal analysis. Although the book is written as a scholarly text for the professional, it will also be of interest to anyone with a fascination for the history of the American Revolution in the Hudson Valley.