For seven years, archaeologist David Starbuck conducted excavations on Rogers Island, one of the most significant military encampments of the French and Indian War. His book, Rangers and Redcoats on the Hudson: Exploring the Past on Rogers Island, the Birthplace of the U.S. Army Ranger (University Press of New England, 2004) documents this work. Located on 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. The site contains the remains of populous training camps including barracks, tents, storehouses and hospitals. Starbuck’s findings offer fascinating insights into the daily life of colonial soldiers.
