The majority of the soldiers, however, were ages 18-24. Young boys in the army worked as messengers, water carriers, and drummers. During the Revolutionary War more soldiers died from disease than from combat. Soldiers had a poor diet, worn out clothes, damp shelters, and lived in unsanitary conditions.
Poor people often lived in one room homes. Wealthier people would live in two story houses which typically had four rooms downstairs and two upstairs. Many homes had the kitchen in a separate building in order to try and prevent the spread of fires. Homes during colonial times didn't have running water or electricity.
It is said to have a significant importance as the city allowed access to the Mississippi River, an important route for both transportation of both troops and civilians and shipping of resources and the above stated
