Brian Mabelitini - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Brian Mabelitini

Research paper thumbnail of BRITISH FORTIFICATION STRATEGY IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA BACKCOUNTRY DURING THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND LANDSCAPE

During the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, the British military established a serie... more During the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, the British military established a series of fortified posts to secure the South Carolina backcountry. This chain of posts was comprised of at least 25 fortified positions that extended in an east-west arc from Georgetown, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Pee Dee River to the village of Augusta, Georgia, on the Savannah River. This dissertation examines the British fortification strategy in the South Carolina backcountry during the Southern Campaign from the anthropological perspective of infrastructure theory. It also examines the archaeological landscape of these positions to better understand their strategic placement. Finally, it discusses the fortification proposals of British Major Patrick Ferguson in South Carolina and how they compare with the actual fortification measures taken by the British military to secure the backcountry.

Research paper thumbnail of “Running the Gauntlet: Locating the Battle of Parker’s Ferry, South Carolina”

Fields of conflict [Recurso electrónico]: Conference 2018 Pequot Museum: Conference Procededings, Vol. 3, 2019 (Volume 3), págs. 64-77, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of We Commenced Replying to a Battery of the Enemy": Locating Turner’s (C.S.A.) Artillery at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, 8 October 1862

Society for Historical Archaeology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological Investigations of Camp Frazer, Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky

Society for Historical Archaeology, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Applications of LiDAR Imagery at the Beech Grove Confederate Camp, Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky

Research paper thumbnail of Union Occupation of the Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42) during the American Civil War

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological investigations of Smith’s-Turner’s Mississippi battery at the battle of Perryville

Archaeological investigations of Smith’s-Turner’s Mississippi battery at the battle of Perryville, 2017

The October 1862 Battle of Perryville was the largest engagement fought in the state of Kentucky ... more The October 1862 Battle of Perryville was the largest engagement fought in the state of Kentucky during the American Civil War. Although inconclusive, the battle was largely considered to be both a tactical victory for the Confederacy and a strategic victory for the Union. Smith’s Mississippi Battery (C.S.A.), under the command of Lieut. William B. Turner, would play a crucial role in the Confederate advance. Historical documents indicate that Smith’s (Turner’s) battery engaged Union forces from a hill to the extreme Confederate right. Today, approximately 745 acres of the battlefield are preserved within the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Recent archaeological investigations on private property just outside the park’s boundaries have identified the location of Lieut. Turner’s artillery, and provides new insight into Confederate troop movements. Additionally, the distribution of exploded shells and case-shot at this position sheds light on the types and caliber of arms used by Union artillery.

Password protected for landowner privacy: EMAIL AUTHOR(S) FOR PDF PASSWORD.

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological and Architectural Documentation of the Craig-Ewalt Farmstead and Craig Cemetery in the East Bend Area of Boone County, Kentucky

In cooperation with the Boone County Public Library, the Boone County Historic Preservation Revie... more In cooperation with the Boone County Public Library, the Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board, and the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, Gray & Pape, Inc. conducted an archaeological and architectural assessment of the Craig-Ewalt farmstead and cemetery in Boone County, Kentucky. These investigations were focused on documenting the log house prior to disassembly, identifying any intact subsurface archaeological deposits, and delineating the boundaries of the Craig Cemetery.

The Craig-Ewalt farmstead is located on the south side of Beaver Road (KY 338), approximately 1.25 kilometers (0.78 miles) west of its intersection with Riddles Run Road, in the East Bend area of Boone County. This research was conducted as a “rescue archaeology” effort to document the site prior to removal of the log house and subsequent grading and contouring of the landscape. The log house (KHC Resource Be-315) associated with the Craig-Ewalt farmstead was disassembled in late April 2015, and moved to the farm of Butch and Mary Ann Wainscott in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Although architectural elements suggest that the house was constructed during the mid-nineteenth century, artifacts found within the fill surrounding the foundation indicate that it was constructed adjacent to Beaver Road (Locus 1) during the late-nineteenth century. It appears that the log house was originally constructed approximately one-half mile to the south (Locus 2), shortly after William Ewalt acquired the property in 1844. Based on the results of this research, it is likely that the log house was moved from Locus 2 to Locus 1 sometime after publication of D. J. Lake’s (1883) Boone County Atlas.

A Ground-Penetrating-Radar survey of the Craig Cemetery identified at least nine potential interments. This family cemetery appears to have been established in 1852, with the death of Capt. John Hawkins Craig, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. However, earlier graves may be present. Additional known burials include Franklin Craig and John P. Craig; both of whom are sons of Capt. John Hawkins Craig and Sallie Snelling Craig. Historical research indicates that Sallie Snelling Craig is also buried in this cemetery. Currently, the Craig Cemetery is in disrepair and nearly all grave markers have been moved, broken, or are missing.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hammock Landing Battery and the Confederate Defenses of the Apalachicola River, Florida

Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of West Florida, Pensacola., 2012

This historical and archaeological research assesses the construction methods and geographical pl... more This historical and archaeological research assesses the construction methods and geographical placement of the Hammock Landing Battery (8LI334) in Liberty County, Florida. Landscape data and terrain analysis demonstrates the location of the battery conferred a tactical advantage to the Confederate military. Constructed during the summer of 1863, the Hammock Landing Battery mounted six heavy guns served by three powder magazines and was one component in the line of defense to prevent Federal blockading vessels from reaching the important industrial complex of Columbus, Georgia. Archaeological investigations allowed a comparison of its construction techniques with period engineering manuals. Although many of the dimensions of the excavated structural features differ from the archetype presented in contemporaneous manuals, they exhibit similar characteristics. Artifacts recovered from the site also shed light on the labor exerted during construction of the earthworks, as well as the types of ordnance stores available to Confederate troops in northern Florida.

Research paper thumbnail of The Confederate Fortification of the Apalachicola River, 1861-1865

Pensacola and Northwest Florida History Illustrated, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Union Defenses of the City of Pensacola, Florida (1862-1865)

submitted to Pensacola and Northwest Florida History Illustrated, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The Archaeology of the Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78)

Paper presented at the Society for Historical Archaeology 40th Annual Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Williamsburg, Virginia , 2007

The Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78) in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was constructed in 1863 t... more The Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78) in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was constructed in 1863 to hold 200 to 300 military and civilian criminals. Only rarely were Confederate prisoners of war kept within this stockade. Historical documents, including maps and photographs, have shown that the prison consisted of a jail surrounded by a stockade and numerous support structures. Archaeological investigations have broadened our understanding of the location of documented and undocumented buildings, the location and construction methods of the stockade, activity areas, and the material culture and diet of the prisoners.

Research paper thumbnail of Consumption Patterns on an Antebellum Kentucky Farmstead (15Hr42)

Paper presented at the 41st Society for Historical Archaeology Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Albuquerque, New Mexico., 2008

The Frazer Farmstead (Site 15Hr42), which is located in Harrison County, Kentucky, is an early- t... more The Frazer Farmstead (Site 15Hr42), which is located in Harrison County, Kentucky, is an early- to mid-nineteenth century farmstead. Initially constructed between 1815 and 1820, artifacts recovered from this site provide insights into the material culture and economic status of nineteenth century upper middle class households in Kentucky. This site also sheds light on the impact of the early stages of the American Civil War, and coincides with Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s capture of Cynthiana, Kentucky on July 17, 1862.

Research paper thumbnail of “A very large supply of commissary and medical stores, tents, guns, and ammunition”: Archaeological Investigations at Camp Frazer, Kentucky

Paper presented at the Southeastern Archaeological Conference 66th Annual Meeting, Mobile, Alabama. , 2009

The Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42), which is located in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky, is situa... more The Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42), which is located in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky, is situated on the former site of Camp Frazer, a Union army encampment during the American Civil War. Initially constructed as a domestic residence between circa 1815 and 1820, the structure associated with this site functioned as a military hospital, and later as a storage facility for the camp’s quartermaster. This paper presents the results of archaeological and historical investigations at this site that provide insights into the material culture and diet of the troops stationed there.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hammock Landing Battery, Florida

Paper presented at the Society for Historical Archaeology 45th Annual Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Baltimore, Maryland, 2012

Throughout the American Civil War, the defense of the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida was... more Throughout the American Civil War, the defense of the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida was of strategic military and economic importance to the Confederacy. The river system is navigable as far north as Columbus, Georgia, and its security was essential in preventing Federal blockading vessels positioned at Apalachicola Bay from reaching this important industrial city. Constructed during the summer of 1863, the Hammock Landing Battery on Neal's Bluff in Liberty County, Florida (8LI334) was one component in this line of defense. This paper examines the construction methods and geographical placement of the Hammock Landing Battery through historical and archaeological research, as well as through concepts drawn from landscape theory and KOCOA terrain analysis. Material culture analysis is also utilized to examine the effectiveness of the Federal blockade on Confederate ordnance supplies.

Books by Brian Mabelitini

Research paper thumbnail of Confederate River Defenses during the American Civil War: A Case Study from the Hammock Landing Battery on the Apalachicola River, Florida. In "From These Honored Dead: Historical Archaeology of the American Civil War," Ed. Clarence R. Geier, Douglas D. Scott, and Lawrence E. Babits, pp. 222-237.

Research paper thumbnail of Neal's Bluff Battery and the Confederate Defenses on the Apalachicola River, Florida. In "ACUA Underwater Archaeology Proceedings 2010," pp. 83-92

book is avaliable at the link below, 2010

During the American Civil War, the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee river system was of both strategic ... more During the American Civil War, the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee river system was of both strategic military and economic importance. Defensive measures on the Apalachicola River included placing obstructions and constructing land batteries to prevent Federal blockading forces positioned at Apalachicola Bay from reaching the important industrial center at Columbus, Georgia. Historical and preliminary archaeological investigations of the artillery battery on Neal's Bluff in Liberty County, Florida, shed light on the efficacy of the Confederate defenses on the Apalachicola River. Although never tested by Union gunboats, the defensive measures on the river system prevented the capture of the important city of Columbus by sea.

Research paper thumbnail of BRITISH FORTIFICATION STRATEGY IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA BACKCOUNTRY DURING THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND LANDSCAPE

During the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, the British military established a serie... more During the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, the British military established a series of fortified posts to secure the South Carolina backcountry. This chain of posts was comprised of at least 25 fortified positions that extended in an east-west arc from Georgetown, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Pee Dee River to the village of Augusta, Georgia, on the Savannah River. This dissertation examines the British fortification strategy in the South Carolina backcountry during the Southern Campaign from the anthropological perspective of infrastructure theory. It also examines the archaeological landscape of these positions to better understand their strategic placement. Finally, it discusses the fortification proposals of British Major Patrick Ferguson in South Carolina and how they compare with the actual fortification measures taken by the British military to secure the backcountry.

Research paper thumbnail of “Running the Gauntlet: Locating the Battle of Parker’s Ferry, South Carolina”

Fields of conflict [Recurso electrónico]: Conference 2018 Pequot Museum: Conference Procededings, Vol. 3, 2019 (Volume 3), págs. 64-77, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of We Commenced Replying to a Battery of the Enemy": Locating Turner’s (C.S.A.) Artillery at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, 8 October 1862

Society for Historical Archaeology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological Investigations of Camp Frazer, Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky

Society for Historical Archaeology, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Applications of LiDAR Imagery at the Beech Grove Confederate Camp, Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky

Research paper thumbnail of Union Occupation of the Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42) during the American Civil War

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological investigations of Smith’s-Turner’s Mississippi battery at the battle of Perryville

Archaeological investigations of Smith’s-Turner’s Mississippi battery at the battle of Perryville, 2017

The October 1862 Battle of Perryville was the largest engagement fought in the state of Kentucky ... more The October 1862 Battle of Perryville was the largest engagement fought in the state of Kentucky during the American Civil War. Although inconclusive, the battle was largely considered to be both a tactical victory for the Confederacy and a strategic victory for the Union. Smith’s Mississippi Battery (C.S.A.), under the command of Lieut. William B. Turner, would play a crucial role in the Confederate advance. Historical documents indicate that Smith’s (Turner’s) battery engaged Union forces from a hill to the extreme Confederate right. Today, approximately 745 acres of the battlefield are preserved within the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. Recent archaeological investigations on private property just outside the park’s boundaries have identified the location of Lieut. Turner’s artillery, and provides new insight into Confederate troop movements. Additionally, the distribution of exploded shells and case-shot at this position sheds light on the types and caliber of arms used by Union artillery.

Password protected for landowner privacy: EMAIL AUTHOR(S) FOR PDF PASSWORD.

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological and Architectural Documentation of the Craig-Ewalt Farmstead and Craig Cemetery in the East Bend Area of Boone County, Kentucky

In cooperation with the Boone County Public Library, the Boone County Historic Preservation Revie... more In cooperation with the Boone County Public Library, the Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board, and the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, Gray & Pape, Inc. conducted an archaeological and architectural assessment of the Craig-Ewalt farmstead and cemetery in Boone County, Kentucky. These investigations were focused on documenting the log house prior to disassembly, identifying any intact subsurface archaeological deposits, and delineating the boundaries of the Craig Cemetery.

The Craig-Ewalt farmstead is located on the south side of Beaver Road (KY 338), approximately 1.25 kilometers (0.78 miles) west of its intersection with Riddles Run Road, in the East Bend area of Boone County. This research was conducted as a “rescue archaeology” effort to document the site prior to removal of the log house and subsequent grading and contouring of the landscape. The log house (KHC Resource Be-315) associated with the Craig-Ewalt farmstead was disassembled in late April 2015, and moved to the farm of Butch and Mary Ann Wainscott in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Although architectural elements suggest that the house was constructed during the mid-nineteenth century, artifacts found within the fill surrounding the foundation indicate that it was constructed adjacent to Beaver Road (Locus 1) during the late-nineteenth century. It appears that the log house was originally constructed approximately one-half mile to the south (Locus 2), shortly after William Ewalt acquired the property in 1844. Based on the results of this research, it is likely that the log house was moved from Locus 2 to Locus 1 sometime after publication of D. J. Lake’s (1883) Boone County Atlas.

A Ground-Penetrating-Radar survey of the Craig Cemetery identified at least nine potential interments. This family cemetery appears to have been established in 1852, with the death of Capt. John Hawkins Craig, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. However, earlier graves may be present. Additional known burials include Franklin Craig and John P. Craig; both of whom are sons of Capt. John Hawkins Craig and Sallie Snelling Craig. Historical research indicates that Sallie Snelling Craig is also buried in this cemetery. Currently, the Craig Cemetery is in disrepair and nearly all grave markers have been moved, broken, or are missing.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hammock Landing Battery and the Confederate Defenses of the Apalachicola River, Florida

Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of West Florida, Pensacola., 2012

This historical and archaeological research assesses the construction methods and geographical pl... more This historical and archaeological research assesses the construction methods and geographical placement of the Hammock Landing Battery (8LI334) in Liberty County, Florida. Landscape data and terrain analysis demonstrates the location of the battery conferred a tactical advantage to the Confederate military. Constructed during the summer of 1863, the Hammock Landing Battery mounted six heavy guns served by three powder magazines and was one component in the line of defense to prevent Federal blockading vessels from reaching the important industrial complex of Columbus, Georgia. Archaeological investigations allowed a comparison of its construction techniques with period engineering manuals. Although many of the dimensions of the excavated structural features differ from the archetype presented in contemporaneous manuals, they exhibit similar characteristics. Artifacts recovered from the site also shed light on the labor exerted during construction of the earthworks, as well as the types of ordnance stores available to Confederate troops in northern Florida.

Research paper thumbnail of The Confederate Fortification of the Apalachicola River, 1861-1865

Pensacola and Northwest Florida History Illustrated, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Union Defenses of the City of Pensacola, Florida (1862-1865)

submitted to Pensacola and Northwest Florida History Illustrated, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The Archaeology of the Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78)

Paper presented at the Society for Historical Archaeology 40th Annual Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Williamsburg, Virginia , 2007

The Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78) in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was constructed in 1863 t... more The Camp Nelson Military Prison (15Js78) in Jessamine County, Kentucky, was constructed in 1863 to hold 200 to 300 military and civilian criminals. Only rarely were Confederate prisoners of war kept within this stockade. Historical documents, including maps and photographs, have shown that the prison consisted of a jail surrounded by a stockade and numerous support structures. Archaeological investigations have broadened our understanding of the location of documented and undocumented buildings, the location and construction methods of the stockade, activity areas, and the material culture and diet of the prisoners.

Research paper thumbnail of Consumption Patterns on an Antebellum Kentucky Farmstead (15Hr42)

Paper presented at the 41st Society for Historical Archaeology Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Albuquerque, New Mexico., 2008

The Frazer Farmstead (Site 15Hr42), which is located in Harrison County, Kentucky, is an early- t... more The Frazer Farmstead (Site 15Hr42), which is located in Harrison County, Kentucky, is an early- to mid-nineteenth century farmstead. Initially constructed between 1815 and 1820, artifacts recovered from this site provide insights into the material culture and economic status of nineteenth century upper middle class households in Kentucky. This site also sheds light on the impact of the early stages of the American Civil War, and coincides with Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s capture of Cynthiana, Kentucky on July 17, 1862.

Research paper thumbnail of “A very large supply of commissary and medical stores, tents, guns, and ammunition”: Archaeological Investigations at Camp Frazer, Kentucky

Paper presented at the Southeastern Archaeological Conference 66th Annual Meeting, Mobile, Alabama. , 2009

The Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42), which is located in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky, is situa... more The Frazer Farmstead (15Hr42), which is located in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky, is situated on the former site of Camp Frazer, a Union army encampment during the American Civil War. Initially constructed as a domestic residence between circa 1815 and 1820, the structure associated with this site functioned as a military hospital, and later as a storage facility for the camp’s quartermaster. This paper presents the results of archaeological and historical investigations at this site that provide insights into the material culture and diet of the troops stationed there.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hammock Landing Battery, Florida

Paper presented at the Society for Historical Archaeology 45th Annual Conference on Historic and Underwater Archaeology, Baltimore, Maryland, 2012

Throughout the American Civil War, the defense of the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida was... more Throughout the American Civil War, the defense of the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida was of strategic military and economic importance to the Confederacy. The river system is navigable as far north as Columbus, Georgia, and its security was essential in preventing Federal blockading vessels positioned at Apalachicola Bay from reaching this important industrial city. Constructed during the summer of 1863, the Hammock Landing Battery on Neal's Bluff in Liberty County, Florida (8LI334) was one component in this line of defense. This paper examines the construction methods and geographical placement of the Hammock Landing Battery through historical and archaeological research, as well as through concepts drawn from landscape theory and KOCOA terrain analysis. Material culture analysis is also utilized to examine the effectiveness of the Federal blockade on Confederate ordnance supplies.

Research paper thumbnail of Confederate River Defenses during the American Civil War: A Case Study from the Hammock Landing Battery on the Apalachicola River, Florida. In "From These Honored Dead: Historical Archaeology of the American Civil War," Ed. Clarence R. Geier, Douglas D. Scott, and Lawrence E. Babits, pp. 222-237.

Research paper thumbnail of Neal's Bluff Battery and the Confederate Defenses on the Apalachicola River, Florida. In "ACUA Underwater Archaeology Proceedings 2010," pp. 83-92

book is avaliable at the link below, 2010

During the American Civil War, the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee river system was of both strategic ... more During the American Civil War, the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee river system was of both strategic military and economic importance. Defensive measures on the Apalachicola River included placing obstructions and constructing land batteries to prevent Federal blockading forces positioned at Apalachicola Bay from reaching the important industrial center at Columbus, Georgia. Historical and preliminary archaeological investigations of the artillery battery on Neal's Bluff in Liberty County, Florida, shed light on the efficacy of the Confederate defenses on the Apalachicola River. Although never tested by Union gunboats, the defensive measures on the river system prevented the capture of the important city of Columbus by sea.