Identifying Colonial Roads in Southern New Jersey: An Application of Remote Sensing, Field, and Archival Methods to Document the Locations, Condition, and Routes of Critical American Revolutionary War Supply Chains

Abstract

This paper explores the identification, use, and preservation of historic roads in the state of New Jersey that primarily travel through public lands. The authors examine in detail the historical significance of several unpaved routes that continue to exist in Burlington County, NJ, as well as discuss various methods that can be used to identify routes with historical significance and document their physical characteristics. Field research was conducted to establish the current location of these historic routes, using LiDAR, GPS, and geographic information systems methods to estimate their likely date of construction. Further examination and mapping of these routes was undertaken, followed by documentation of the historical events linked to their use, thus establishing historical context. We identified likely routes used as critical Revolutionary War supply routes. The paper concludes with a discussion of appropriate actions that should be considered in the preservation of these routes and offers planners some options in relation to public policy.