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They believe the Hessian soldiers — German troops hired by the British — were part of about 377 troops killed by Colonial forces during the Battle of Red Bank. America's Rhode Island Regiment lost just 14 troops.
Of 500 American soldiers in the garrison, about 50 were African Americans.
"It's the greatest upset victory of the American Revolution," said Jennifer Janofsky, Ph.D. "They were fighting for freedom....What we're seeing here are the remnants of the battle.."
Historians from Rowan University and officials from Gloucester County presented their initial findings during a Tuesday news conference at Red Bank Battlefield Park, just south of Philadelphia.
A link to the archeology project can be found by clicking here.
The remains, found at Fort Mercer and the Oct. 22, 1777 Battle of Red Bank, rested for 245 years until a human femur was found in June during an archaeological dig of a trench that surrounded the fort, archaeologists said.
With the help of 100 volunteers,, the excavation yielded more skeletal remains and military items including pewter, knee buckles, musket balls, brass buttons and a King George III gold guinea.
Watch a YouTube video of the discovery by clicking here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLV0rC4I5-c
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