Michilimackinac archaeology program yields new find at House E excavation site

MACKINAW CITY — Colonial Michilimackinac's archaeological program had a new find June 18.

The team found a brass trade ring, which was found in 1781 demolition rubble over the north porch, according to a press release from the Mackinac State Historic Parks.

Sometimes, the rings are called “Jesuit Rings,” but were strictly considered to be secular trade goods by the 18 ^th century.

The current excavation house is House E, the Southeast Rowhouse at Colonial Michilimackinac, which has been the home of numerous exciting finds in recent years, according to the release.

At the site, the archaeology team has found a Compagnie des Indes lead seal that dates between 1717 and 1796, a brass sleeve button with an intaglio bust on it, a potential structural post dating to the original 1715 fort, another trade ring and more.

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House E was constructed in the 1730s and was owned by Charles Gonneville for most of the French era at Michilimackinac, according to the Mackinac Parks website.

The archaeological dig at Michilimackinac began in 1959, according to the release, making it one of the longest-running archaeology programs in North America. Archaeologists work the fort daily, weather permitting.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN .

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Michilimackinac archaeology program yields new find at House E excavation site