Archaelogical Excavations of the Gardens and Interior Areas of Houses B and C of the Southeast Row Houses Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan

摘要

During the summer of 1980, archaeological excavations were continued at Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City, Mi. The fort, located at the intersection of Lakes Michigan and Huron, was established around 1715 and inhabited by a French garrison until 1760. The garrison's primary purpose was to protect traders and maintain friendly alliance with the local Indians. In 1761, at the conclusion of the French and Indian War, the British assumed control of the upper Great Lakes Region and this fort. Except for a one-year period, the British continuously occupied the fort until 1781. With the threat of advancing American rebel forces, the fort was dismantled and moved to nearby Mackinac Island during the winter of 1780/81. Since the 1950's, the Mackinac Island Park Commission has been engaged in the excavation and reconstruction of Fort Michilimackinac. The primary objective of the 1980 season was to locate the fence and wall ditches within the gardens and house areas of Houses B and C of the southeast row house. Additionally, the artifacts recovered from the excavations were analyzed to provide a basis for cultural interpretations for both the French and British periods.