We are only in the research and data-gathering phase.
impact statement issue
The issue encompasses heritage tourism and preservation of important endangered historic and archaeological sites because these sites are in danger of being destroyed as commercial development expands in Southern Tier communities of New York, especially in Elmira and around Chemung County.
Local, state, and national historical, archaeological, and preservation groups care about these important national sites in Native American communities in New York state and Canada.
impact statement response
The project researched the history of the battle, the current condition of the landscape and sites, and made recommendations for further archaeological and preservation efforts. It was the first phase in a long-term effort to protect and preserve these sites and to interpret the sites to the public. We held public meetings to engage community groups in preserving these sites.
We received a second National Park Service grant through the Public Archaeology Facility at SUNY-Binghamton to investigate the history of the nearby Chemung Battlefield (2010).
We received a third grant to undertake preliminary fieldwork on the Newtown Battlefield (2010)
impact statement summary
This is a joint Cornell-SUNY Binghamton Project to study the Revolutionary War Battle of Newtown, which involved the British and their American Indian allies, and the patriots and their American Indian allies. The battle was the start of the infamous Sullivan Campaign, which destroyed numerous Indian villages on Cayuga and Seneca lakes, leaving innocent women, children, and the elderly homeless.
Other federal research funding
National Park Service Battlefield Protection Grants
