Michilimackinac has been the home of an archeological dig site since 1959. This summer, the excavation of the old colonial fort has unveiled a preserved trader’s ring.
Park officials say the ring is in tact because the fort was built on a glacial beach, where its sandy soil has excellent preservation properties.
The ring dates back to the region’s colonial days, a time filled with fur traders, religious missionaries and a revolutionary war.
According to Lynn Evans, the curator of archaeology for the site, these rings were originally a religious symbol.
“Back in the 17th century, the first brass rings that show up on sites are known as Jesuit rings. They have sacred symbols on them and were used by the missionaries as they were teaching people the catechism," Evans said.
Since then, the rings found became more than a symbol of Jesuit priests in the area.
“But by the 18th century, and this ring probably dates to the 1770s, these were just secular. They were used by traders, not by missionaries,” Evans continued. “More like a personal piece of jewelry”.
The site has revealed parts of Michigan’s early history by researching the various personal and household items found in various old row houses.
Items found over the years include fashion items, ceramics, buttons, buckle, maps and more.
The items found over the years act as a third branch of information, alongside documentation and oral histories. They act as representations of the trade habits of people in colonial Michigan, according to Evans.
Evans said that the finds show us what it was like for fur traders, Europeans and Native Americans at the time.
“It's an interesting and important story of how these different cultures came together in different ways,” Evans said.
Editor's note: Mackinac State Historic Parks is a sponsor of WCMU. We report on them as we do with any other organization.
