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The Horrors Of Frontier Warfare
By R. Michael Gramly
Book Review
 Cut lines remain on the skulls from where soldier's scalps were once lifted. Broken arm and leg bones from ill fated attempts to ward off a crushing tomahawk. Musket balls retrieved from behind the rib cage of a fallen defender of liberty.
These and many more images can be found in R. Michael Gramly's recently released 62-page photo pictorial of the Fort Laurens excavations from 1972, 1973, 1984, and 1986.
Dr. Gramly, Organizer of the American Society for Amateur Archaeology in Buffalo, New York, was director of the archaeological excavations at Fort Laurens. He and his team discovered the first Fort Laurens soldier during the 1973 digs. The soldier had been shot in the pelvis with a 50 cal. ball, and his left humerus had been broken perhaps with a club or tomahawk.
The discovery of the Fort Laurens hospital in 1973 provided a clue to the location of the long-lost soldier cemetery. Historical research indicated a mass grave was nearby and was discovered upon Dr. Gramly's return to Fort Laurens in 1986. The mass grave, which was hidden under the original paved entrance into the park, contained the partially dismembered remains of at least 13 individuals as well as the intact bodies of two other soldiers. According to Gramly, all 15 bore signs of violent death.
Fort Laurens 1778-9 Pictorial Record of Excavations contains over 84 black and white photographs of what Gramly uncovered during his four seasons at Fort Laurens.
If you want to get an idea of how gruesome the horrors of frontier warfare were like, this book is a must. After reviewing this important illustrated report, no individual will question the extent of the sacrifice given by at least 21 soldiers in the name of freedom.
The Foundation originally bought 100 copies of the Gramly monograph. All 100 copies were quickly sold out. The Foundation purchased another 100 copies that are available now, but they won't last long. Order yours today!
The book is available from the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation for $14 plus $3.50 for shipping. The Foundation will mail the book via Priority Mail with the U.S. Postal Service. Please send a check or money order payable to the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation at P.O. Box 272, Bolivar, OH 44612.
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