Most recollections and official reports generally agree. There are, however, gaps and conflicts in that record, which is one reason the archeological project was undertaken. The archeological evidence does fill some gaps m the story and, in some cases, clarifies conflicting historical accounts. It also raises new questions. The interpretations offered here are based on the analysis of the archeological evidence-the artifacts.
Artifacts are the physical evidence of human behavior.
They are the material culture remains of past activities. As such, the artifacts offer information regarding the nature of those activities. This information is available not only through the individual artifact, but also in the spatial and contextual relationships between artifacts. Whether the artifact is a bullet from the battle, a piece of equipment used by a soldier, or a nail used in fence construction, each helps the archeologist piece together the history of human use of the battlefield. The number of artifacts representing clothing and equipment used by the combatants is relatively small.