Building the Log Hut City

Abstract

This chapter uses experimental archaeology to attempt to learn how soldiers constructed the huts they would live in during the winter at Morristown, New Jersey. For the historic reconstruction, the same tools and techniques were, as much as possible, employed to replicate the technology available in 1777. The research touches on numerous topics that have not seen much attention, such as the integration of the camps with the local economy, the acquisition of provisions for the camps, the historic technology the soldiers used, and the many roles and skills that were necessary for hut building.