Abstract from "An Examination of Flintlock Components at Fort St. Joseph"

Hello Fort Followers, 

Kevin Jones recently defended his M.A. thesis at Western Michigan University! He received his bachelors from Purdue University, where he developed an interest in answering archaeological questions through material and composition analysis. At Purdue, he completed an honors project on Fort Ouiatenon, a French fur trading post established in 1717. When he came to WMU, Kevin decided to follow a similar path and work with Fort St. Joseph materials. Dr. Nassaney introduced Kevin to flintlock components when he was beginning to explore research topics. His initial research led him to pursue questions in regards to the origin, design, and work necessary to keep flintlocks functioning on the frontier. Below is the abstract to his thesis, “An Examination of Flintlock Components at Fort St. Joseph (20BE23), Niles, Michigan.”  

The purpose of this study is to identify the age, country and place of origin, function (e.g. fusil, pistol), and intended use (e.g. military, trade gun) of flintlock components recovered from Fort St. Joseph (20BE23), an eighteenth-century French mission-garrison-trading post in southwest Michigan. Flintlock muskets were a vital technology in New France throughout the fur trade era, both in their roles as weapons and as hunting implements. They were also important because their relatively complex nature necessitated localized, frontier supply and repair; their use and maintenance were integrated into many facets of frontier life. Historical documents and archaeological materials show that Fort St. Joseph was one location where flintlock-related activities occurred. Close examination of Fort St. Joseph's flintlock artifacts provides insight into the weapons that were used and maintained on the frontier, as well as the significant roles they played in the North American fur trade more widely.

Etched bow and quiver on an English buttplate found at Fort St. Joseph. Photo courtesy of the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project.

Kevin’s thesis will be available through ScholarWorks at Western Michigan University in the coming weeks!