The foundation of the east blockhouse was repaired during the recent restoration of the Fort Mackinac wall and other masonry work at the fort. Numerous buttons were found around the edge of the blockhouse. They may have been swept out through trapdoors in the overhanging second floor. The Americans constructed the blockhouse after their arrival in 1796 and used it as a barracks as well as a defensive structure. The buttons shown here are some of the more unusual found. All date to the early nineteenth century. The buttons numbered 6 and 16 with UNITED STATES around them are infantry buttons issued from 1798 to 1802. Although only the 1st regiment served at Fort Mackinac, buttons from nine regiments have been found here. The army anticipated higher enlistments than they got, so they had surplus buttons which were distributed regardless of regiment. Note that the UNITED STATES on the 16th button reads from right to left, instead of the usual left to right. The script “LA,” for Light Artillery, button is another surplus button from a unit that never served at Mackinac. The script “RA” button is from the 2nd Regiment of Artillery. Men from this unit were stationed at Fort Mackinac from 1796 to 1812. This particular button was manufactured from 1810 to 1813. The eagle with “R” shield on his chest is from the Regiment of Riflemen. This button was manufactured from 1812 to 1814. Soldiers from this unit were among the first American troops to return to Fort Mackinac after the War of 1812. The button with the anchor is from a naval uniform. American and British navy buttons from the early nineteenth century are difficult to tell apart. A few sailors from the Royal Navy were at Fort Mackinac during the War of 1812.
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