With an in-depth archaeological survey, GAI Consultants helped unearth new details about Bushy Run Battlefield, where a pivotal skirmish marked a turning point in Native American uprisings that occurred shortly after the conclusion of the French and Indian War. These uprisings almost changed the course of history due to their success in conquering British fortifications along the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Bushy Run Battle occurred after Col. Henry Bouquet and a force of approximately 400 British soldiers left Carlisle, PA in July 1763 to relieve the besieged Fort Pitt and end a series of unchecked attacks against frontier outposts. On Aug. 5, while passing through present-day Westmoreland County, the soldiers were ambushed by the allied force of Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron warriors. These Native Americans were defeated, resulting in a major victory for the British. It allowed Britain to secure control of the Ohio River Valley and opened the area west of the Allegheny Mountains for settlement.

Utilizing a National Park Service, American Battlefield Protection Program grant, GAI worked with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to conduct further historical research and archaeological investigations at the site, which was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

For four days, GAI's team covered the "flour bag fort" area, where British troops camped and were victorious against Native Americans during the conflict known as Pontiac's Rebellion (1763-1764).

GAI's work increased the number of artifacts associated with the battle and identified boundaries for the battle site. GAI conducted resource identification studies at two hilltops (where the fighting was the most intense) and the former South Fork of Forbes Road, the major transportation artery in the area.

Using metal detectors, GAI surveyed the battlefield and explored over 200 hits. When excavating the metal detector hits, artifacts dating to the period were found, including five musketballs, belt buckles, horseshoes, clothing buttons, and saddle rings. Our Principal Investigator, Sr. Lead Archaeologist Lori Frye, RPA, presented GAI's findings in a public talk held at Bushy Run Battlefield Park.

The team also had a potential hit on finding Forbes Road through a geophysical survey that shows past activity on the ground.

"You could tell where a wagon would hit the soil or if there's a large piece of metal in the ground without having to dig," Lori says. "If Bushy Run does future studies, they can build on what we've done. This is really the beginning of what is a multi-stage approach for them."

GAI's services included:

• Historical research
• Archaeological investigations
• Archival research
• GIS mapping
• Preliminary archaeological assessment
• Laboratory artifact analysis
• Draft and final archaeological reports