An archaeological dig at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts has uncovered artifacts from the Revolutionary War, including English gun flints, a French gun flint, and musket balls. The project, led by the City of Boston archaeology program and American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR), aims to learn more about the earthen fortification, known as the redoubt, built by colonial soldiers before the battle.
The Discovery
The artifacts, which include two English gun flints, a French gun flint, and two musket balls, are significant because they provide insight into the lives of the soldiers who fought in the battle. According to Joel Bohy, a historian and material culture specialist, the musket balls are consistent with being British, and one of them may have been from a provincial gun.
The dig has been successful in uncovering new information about the battle, and the artifacts will be examined in a lab and eventually added to a digital database. The project has also provided an opportunity for veterans to transition into careers in professional archaeology through AVAR.
The City of Boston was initially set to end the project after two weeks, but it may be extended. AVAR will also be working on a project in Sicily to excavate a World War II bomber and provide closure to family members.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.