Sneaking Inside the Walls of Fort Michilimackinac

Welcome back! Last month in Unearthing the Past at Fort Michilimackinac we delved below the surface (literally) and viewed items uncovered from the sand used to recreate the fort, structures, and also exhibits that exist today at this historic site. We discovered a bit about the people who lived in the area before the original fort installation and after. 

I mentioned in the last post that reading Pegg Thomas’ stories of fort life impacted my adventure at Fort Michilmackinac. To enhance your experience, how about if we tiptoe inside the palisade walls? Have no fear, there is no danger of an attack. Though you might be able to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of Colonial life. Shall we enter the water gate where voyageurs would land their vessels and carry their goods to be counted? Or shall we enter by land, perhaps as a settler seeking goods to purchase? Enter through one and exit through the other you say. Excellent. My thoughts exactly. Let’s go! Onward and inward, to the Colonial Fort Michilimackinac.

By water, we pass the artillery platforms and enter near the King’s Storehouse. Here visitors can view a short film previewing life at the height of the fort in the 1770s. Nearly 2,000 people lived and worked in the protection of the palisades. 

Steps from the King's Storehouse resides the Commander's House. In the photos below, take a moment to absorb the accoutrements of daily life. Harsh Michigan winters necessitated large, crackling fires. Not everyone living at the fort had the luxury of this magnificent stone fireplace. Look at that ceiling. There is something to be said for homes and items created by hand. The intention and time behind the final product cannot be mimicked in mass-produced goods. I wonder at the hours involved in designing, building, and carving the large wardrobe. 

Below, photos show of an example of an enlisted soldier and his wife's rented house. The Army allowed some soldiers to live in these houses with their wives and children. Army-issued and privately purchased items fill the space. When women were not working for the military, they acquired other jobs such as doing laundry for fort residents. The payment for that weekly task rested at eight shillings. The extra income helped as the military only provided basic necessities.

In the last episode, we dug into the archeology at this site. Below is a display of ceramics the archeologists unearthed. The wife living here used these vessels or some similar. Teapots, earthenware cups, stoneware milk jugs, earthenware bowls, and porcelain dishes to name a few. Notice the item at the bottom. Chamber pots were all the rage on freezing nights.

The remaining soldiers, most likely lower in rank, bunked together in the Barracks. Soldiers toiled, slept, ate, and drilled together. They rarely mingled with civilians, other than at church. 

Soldiers earned eight pence daily, six removed to pay for food rations. Since this fort was at the end of the line, the quality was often lacking. The military expected them to amend their diets by fishing and tending gardens for produce. 

A group of men pooled their rations together, called a "mess." Two messes per room of the barracks. In 1776, daily rations consisted of: one ounce of rice, 1/4 pint of peas, eight ounces of salt pork, one ounce of butter, and one pound of flour or bread. The mess combined ingredients and efforts, cooking their own meals.

The day we visited, docents presented history surrounding tea and served samples. A poignant example of added value in visiting historical sites. Shared details expounded on topics I had never heard before or considered. The British Trader's House afforded a backdrop for visitors to sit, listen, and steep.

Associated with health and hospitality, there is an entire culture set around tea. A shared beverage in the same container goes back to ancient times. Representing shared resources, tea is a bridge to build relationships. Time for tea and manner in which it is served varies by people group. 

We learned that originates from one plant: Camelia Seninsis. How the leaves are harvested determines the end product. White leaves are the hardest to process. Green leaves are lighter in flavor. Black leaves are oxidized. Oolong is on the greener side of black tea. Here in 1770s they drank Oolong loose leaf black teas. 

How did tea find a place on the British table?

Catherine of Braganza, born in Vila Viçosa, Portugal, married King Charles II in May of 1662. Her dowery included a chest of tea. At the time, British citizens drank beer/ale. After the union, and by the end of 1800s, most British subjects drank tea.

Another facet to consider are the necessary components to make, serve, and consume tea. A table set included a tea tray, tea pot, strainer, creamer, sugar bowl, spoons, and other specialized equipment. A kettle started the process. The finish - tea cups and saucers. An entire niche for production and consumption. Next time we take a sip of tea, we might better appreciate the rich and long history before it filled our cup. 

Stepping out of the British Trader's House, we walk toward The Church of Ste. Anne. It stands just before the Southwest Rowhouse that contains special exhibits for the public. The Parade Ground is near the archeological site, followed by the remaining rowhouses. Other buildings include the latrine (necessary but thankfully not in current use), blacksmith shop, Priest’s House, Guardhouse, and Powder Magazine.

As we funnel out the Land Gate, we walk through the Native American Encampment. Read more about the Anishinaabek if you would like, in last month's Unearthing the Past at Fort Michilimackinac.

When the fort is open for visitors, interpreters in full regalia provide insights of Colonial Life. Presentations ranging from preparing food, gardening, to cannon fire, are sure to bring the fort to life for young and seasoned alike. Programs and special events plunge into history. Fort Fright in October and A Colonial Christmas in December are a few of the added activities. 

Have you visited a fort? Which one and where is it located? Or might you make plans to visit this fort in the future?

If you have a hankering for more fort life before you are able to make the trek, 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:

Henri's Regret, Maggie's Strength, Sarah's Choice, Her Redcoat.

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