Centuries-Old Brass Ring Uncovered at Historic Michigan Fort
Many treasures have been unearthed on Michigan's Mackinac Island over the years. An 18th century brass ring discovered this week is being called a "nice find".
Every summer since 1959, an archaeological team has been working at Colonial Michilimackinac, an 18th century reconstructed fort and fur trading village located just west of the Mackinac Bridge.
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On June 18, the team uncovered a brass trade ring the the 1781 demolition rubble over the north porch.
Dr. Lynn Evans, Curator of Archaeology for Mackinac State Historic Parks explains that although these types of rings are sometimes referred to as "Jesuit Rings" by the eighteenth century they were strictly "secular trade goods".
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According to the National Parks Service, similar rings have been found all across the Great Lakes region at sites affiliated with fur trade between Europeans and natives. The furthest away from Michigan they have been found is Missouri.
In addition to the ring, other exciting finds have been uncovered at this particular site, House E on the Southeast Rowhouse at Colonial Michilimackinac, over the years.
House E was first occupied by trader Charles Henri Desjardins de Rupallay de Gonneville, and later by an as-yet-unidentified English trader.
Recent discoveries include:
- Compagnie des Indes lead seal dating between 1717 and 1769
- Brass sleeve button with an intaglio bust on it
- Potential structural post dating to the original 1715 fort
- Another engraved “Jesuit” trade ring
- Brass serpentine sideplate for a British trade gun
- Complete remnants from a creamware plate
- Bone or ivory gaming die
You're welcome to watch the archeologists at work. The dig is ongoing daily during the summer months. It's another cool thing to check out along with guided tours by costumed interpreters, re-enactments, and more.
