Monday, February 3, 2025

Unearthing the Past at Fort Michilimackinac


The longest running archeology program in the United States resides at Fort Michilimackinac in northern Michigan. Digs started in 1959. The study continues each summer in fairer weather. To date, researchers excavated 65% of the original fort and structures and more than one million artifacts exist from these explorations.


One of the most fascinating components for me at this fort isn't the booming cannons or the demonstrations of the re-enactors, though both are exciting and informative. Rather, capturing my attention and imagination is the extensive archeology exhibit. For those of us who wonder "how" it not only answers, but prods further curiosity. Did you ever wonder how archeologists decide where structures exist and the composition of the subjects? The first interactive display at Michilimackinac shows a mock up of a current building. Pressing a button reveals what exists below. Take a gander.



This demonstration shows how archeologists recreate a site. If they unearth many glass fragments, they might envision windows. If they uncover pottery shards and pot fragments, they perhaps infer the location of a kitchen. Metal/iron parts could hint at a door. Studying where these physical findings rest gives an idea of the structure's segments, walls, doors, chimneys, and more.

The nature of archeology can be a messy business since scientists must dig and disassemble to discover and designate parts of the past. Because this venture is destructive to say the least, they toil in confined areas of 10-foot squares at a time. Maps, drawings, written records, and photographs aid in piecing together what once filled those spots. Exact locations are notated. In later years, computers aided and continue to give insight by employing programs that study patterns. 

In collecting items surrounding specific purposes, archeologists can surmise what types of occupations, domestic functions, and recreational activities subsisted for the colonial residents. Notice the artifacts below representing these four categories: structural, occupational, domestic, and recreational.



Since we've discussed what is under the fort. How about what or who was outside the fort? Who lived at this location before and after installation?

The Anishnaabeck, comprised of Ojibwa, Odawa, and Pottawatomi inhabited the area by 1650. Visitors can tour a model of their encampment to grasp an idea of daily life. The exhibit displays traditional housing sporting angled poles dressed in birchbark, reeds, or cedar. How did they live inside? The door flap of a blanket or other material served as entry and protection from wind. A central fire provided warmth and an area to cook during colder weather. At other times, cooking occurred outside. Men and women slept in separate areas. The area furthest from the door housed the elders.

The women removed the exterior of the dwelling for transport to the next camp at the change of seasons. For the Anishinabek, this method remained through a portion of the 19th century.I always wondered how Native Americans packed up and migrated. Perhaps each people group created the skeleton for the dwellings at subsequent locations using local resources and only transported the outer portions? Do you have any idea? Share in the comments below. 

What drew these nomads to seek this location? The Ojibwa and Odawa (also spelled Ottawa) in the north subsisted by hunting and fishing, both supported by the Great Lakes and its shores. The Pottawatomi of the south farmed corn, beans, and squash (though I did not find reference to the triad; The Three Sisters as termed by the Cherokee and Iroquois). The rivers of southern Michigan allowed for this agriculture. (Enlarged map at right from the display on a placard at the encampment.)

This fort lies near the tip of the lower peninsula resting along Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. In addition, the lakes lead to tributaries, rivers, and creeks, allowing the transportation of people and goods across the continent and beyond. The parcel of land and surrounding vicinity served as a hub of trade for many natives as well as Europeans, before, during and after the fort reigned. 

1715 arrived as Fort Michilimackinac’s walls multiplied, one post at a time. Constant Le Marchand de Lignery built the fort of wood, 360 feet by 380 feet. What you see today is a representation of the original structures. Can you find the guard patrolling the high walls in the photo above left with the flag? What a view they had from the bastions (towers), photo at left.

Incidentally, before this trip to Michigan I finished a novella by Pegg Thomas titled, Henri’s Regret: Forts of Refuge. It is the prequel to Selah Award Finalist, Maggie's Strength. In Henri's story, Frenchman Henri Geroux sets out on an adventure with his Ottawa friend. Danger ensues as he traverses land and water. While his travels did not include the site of this fort, the tale enhanced my overall experience at Michilimackinac. Reading earlier of navigating the water, entering a fort, and tidbits during their waking hours brought the fort to life for me that day. After our trip to Michigan, I read more exploits in and around forts in 2022 Selah Award Winning Sarah’s Choice also by Pegg Thomas. This story from 1763 featured three forts as well as three women who sought to survive amidst the peril. 

Speaking of reading, if you would like to learn about the history of Fort Michilimackinac, there are two detailed entries by Kathleen Rouser, links at the end. As you will learn in reading Kathleen’s, An Unburied Historical Treasure: Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, the British struggled to guard this tenuous location so they moved to Mackinac Island in 1781. There they had the upper hand at a higher elevation and land that was easier to defend surrounded by the lake. They did transfer original structures to the island. The remainder they burned. Below you will see a photo of Ste. Anne's (built by the French) at the original fort and the later constructed St. Ann's Church (built by the British) on the island. When we visited Mackinac Island, we walked past the church during mass. Peering up at the stained glass, we heard sweet voices in song floating out the door. That handle! Do you see the cross? Quite certain a blacksmith fashioned the device in earlier years. How I longed to step inside to view other features. Perhaps another visit one day.



That handle! Do you see the cross? Quite certain a blacksmith fashioned the device in earlier years. How I longed to pass through that door to view other treasures. Perhaps another visit is in order one day?

Next month we will sneak inside the fort walls of Michilimackinac. There is more to see in the Commander and Soldier Houses, the Barracks, and other buildings. Do you wonder how people lived before electricity, indoor plumbing, microwaves, and multitudes of appliances? Can you imagine managing Michigan winters without the benefit of HVAC systems?

If you have a hankering for more fort life before then, you will be excited to learn Pegg Thomas’ Her Redcoat is available now and transpires at Fort Michilimackinac! The heroine, Laurette Pettigrew is friends with the Ojibwe. 

Here are the four stories by Pegg Thomas mentioned in the post:




Pegg has many more journeys available in her tales. When describing Pegg weaving a yarn, this statement winds twofold. She crafts compelling stories and creates with yarn from start to finish. Visit her website to peruse her books. Join her newsletter to be the first to hear of her adventures in both avenues. Watch videos as she shares the textile process step-by-step. From drafting and carding wool to combining colors, on to the spinning wheel, and designing the final product, Pegg opens a window to long ago processes and precious items made by hand.

For history surrounding Fort Michilimackinac, read these posts by Kathleen Rouser: An Unburied Historical Treasure: Colonial Fort Michilimackinac and The Siege of the Fort at Detroit (Please note, the Giveaway ended.)

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 128 Plans, in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a college senior. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers. Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram PinterestX/Twitter













3 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting today about your adventures and research! Very interesting!

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  2. Very interesting post. I love Pegg Thomas' books. I read this series. So awesome. Thnaks for sharing.

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  3. Thanks for showcasing my books, but especially for showcasing one of my favorite places in my home state!

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