Rangers and Redcoats on the Hudson

Exploring the Past on Rogers Island. Includes the Complete Rogers Rules of Ranging

David R. Starbuck

From 1991 to 1998 archeologist David Starbuck conducted excavations on Rogers Island, one of the most significant military encampments of the French and Indian War. Located in the Hudson River in what is now the town of Fort Edward, Rogers Island was once home to thousands of British “redcoats” as well as hundreds of “rangers”—irregular American colonial fighters. In fact, the island is named for its association with the famed Major Robert Rogers, leader of Rogers’ Rangers and noted author of “Rules of Ranging,” his brief code-of-conduct for colonial guerrilla fighters written while encamped on the island. Rogers Island was one of the longest occupied and populous training camps of the French and Indian War and contains the remains of barracks, tents, storehouses, and hospitals. As such, the island offers unique and fascinating insights into the daily life of colonial soldiers. Writing in a lively and accessible style, Starbuck presents the findings of his many digs while retelling the history of the island and its many inhabitants. In addition to re-creating the world of the colonial soldier, he shares island myths, stories of treasure seekers, and information about his exhumation in 2003 of the remains of Jane McCrea, the young woman who was killed and scalped in Fort Edward during the American Revolution. Most importantly, Starbuck shows us how archeology works as the energetic collection and interpretation of sherds and fragments that make expand our knowledge of one historical time and place.

Paper: $17.95

ISBN-13: 9781584653783

Pages: 168 | Size: 7 in. x 10 in.

Date Published: May 1, 2004

Imprint:

University Press of New England

History

Reviews

This well-illustrated book is a must for those interested in the military history of the French and Indian War.

Choice
It is appropriate to applaud the excellent production values of this volume. The illustrations, excellent writing style, binding, sidebars, and cover art all combine to make an attractive book . . . I recommend Rangers and Redcoats . . . an enjoyable and informative read.

Journal of Middle Atlantic Archaeology
Ground-breaking . . . the first holistic account of recent excavations on Rogers Island, Fort Edward's famous French and Indian War military encampment.

The Post-Star (Glenns Falls
NY)
This would be an excellent choice for young students to interest them in the wonderful world of archaeology!

Smoke and Fire News

About the Author

David R. Starbuck

David R. Starbuck was a historical and industrial archeologist specializing in America’s forts and battlefields, utopian societies (such as the Shakers), and medieval and post-medieval sites in Scotland. Dr. Starbuck authored or edited nearly 20 books; published more than 130 journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews; and presented well over 500 papers and talks at local, regional, and national conferences and meetings. He was president of the Adirondack Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association, as well as a professor of anthropology at Plymouth State University.

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