Archaeology Update

MSHP staff member Alex excavating in the root cellar.

We have reached the halfway point of the 2017 Michilimackinac archaeology field season. We have known since the project began that this was a fur trader’s house, and the numerous trade artifacts recovered this summer confirm that. We have found over a dozen gunflints, four trade gun caliber musket balls, several fishhooks, fragments from two Jesuit rings and glass beads in many colors and sizes. These have mostly come from the interior of the house.

The mystery trench area

In two areas of the interior, it appears that the beach sand that underlies the fort has been exposed. In the northeast area of the excavation, this sand is cut through by an as-yet-unidentified feature, possibly the remains of a wall or joist.

The root cellar has continued deeper. It yielded the most unusual artifact of the season, a fancy furniture lock, possibly from a small chest.

An intact lock from a small chest or similar item of furniture. It is made of brass, 2.75” long and 2.25” wide at its widest point.

We have opened a new quad on the north edge of the excavation. In it we have exposed the top of the 1781 demolition rubble, although it is cut into by concrete piers from 1960s displays.

What will the second half of the season hold? Stay tuned for a wrap up post in October, or better yet, come visit us at Michilimackinac.

The newly opened quad, showing 1781 demolition rubble and 1960s concrete piers.

We will be on site every day though August 26, weather permitting.

A small triangle of trade silver, discovered Wednesday afternoon, July 12. It appears to have been part of an earring or pendant. Trade silver is an excellent marker for the British era of the fur trade. This came from the interior of the house.

Janie is excavating 1781 demolition rubble and the mystery trench is behind John.