| Artifacts
from Fort St. Joseph |
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| Fort
St. Joseph was not only a trading post but also home to many Jesuit
missionaries who had traveled to North America to convert Native
Americans to Christianity. This small brass bell was used by a Fort St.
Joseph Jesuit during mid-1700s religious ceremonies. |
Native
American leaders were often given precious metal gorgets as symbols of
trust from French and British officials. The ornamental gorgets often
depicted birds, military symbols or wildlife scenes. |
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| When
the French arrived on the banks of the St. Joseph River they soon began
trading with local Native Americans. One of the most sought after goods
was European muskets. After securing the weapons Native Americans made
their own flints such as these which were found near the site of the
fort. |
Shell
bracelets were widely traded by Native Americans before and during the
French colonial period. This example was found on the west banks of the
St. Joseph River, across from where Fort St. Joseph was located. |
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