Commemorating the 1781 February Raid on Fort St. Joseph

Hey everybody, 

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution pose 
for a photograph next to the commemorative boulder.

As the archaeology intern through the Niles History Center and the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project, part of my responsibilities is assist in hosting outreach events such as the one held to Commemorate the 1781 February Raid on Fort St. Joseph. The event was a collaboration between the local Capt. Samuel Felt Chapter for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Col. Joseph Westnedge NSSAR chapter for the Sons of the American Revolution,  (SAR), and the Children of the American Revolution, Ki-Ka-Ma-Sung Chapter out of Kalamazoo (CAR), as well as the Boy Scout Troop out of St. Mary’s Church. The event was to commemorate the American lives lost in the Hamelin Raid of Fort St. Joseph in December of 1780 as well as to signify the 1781 Spanish Raid of Fort St. Joseph which at the time of both of these instances the Fort was being occupied by the British.

That Saturday, it was a brisk, but pleasant morning. The strong community support for the event was demonstrated by people gathering around 9:30 am at the Commemorative Boulder. Here, people of all ages as well as those who were preparing for their roles in the event greeted each other with smiles and warm conversation. At 10 am the event began with opening remarks discussing the significance of these raids and how they related to the American Revolution. Then, a wreath laying ceremony took place where each of the four groups involved placed a wreath in front of the Boulder. 

Afterwards, the groups hosted participants at the Niles History Center where cake and refreshments were provided (see pictures above and left by Emma Maher). Visitors viewed the exhibits and asked questions about the Project, the Fort, and overall history of the area. I was able to talk with attendees who wanted to learn more about Fort St. Joseph and the archaeology that has been occurring at the site. I was also able to discuss items placed in our Fort St. Joseph outreach artifact case where some of our more recent finds are displayed. Overall, the event was a success and it marks the start of America's 250th anniversary celebration. For more, continue reading here.

...While I have you here...Read on about future FSJ related events.

First, show your support for Fort St. Joseph at Support the Fort's Wings Etc. fundraiser on March 20th. From opening until close, 20 percent of every order made at Wings located on 11th St. in Niles will be donated to Support the Fort, Inc. Please present the digital flyer or mentioned that you are with Support the Fort. Support the Fort, Inc. is a community organization devoted to the preservation and interpretation of Fort St. Joseph, a mission, garrison, and trading post complex occupied in the 17th and 18th centuries. Contributions made to the organization assist in supporting the archaeology and outreach programs occurring at the historic site located in Niles, Michigan.

Next, stop by the Niles History Center and join the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project on Friday, April 5 from 12pm to 3pm for a fun "Dig It" event. You can visit the Fort St. Joseph Museum and Chapin Mansion to learn about archaeology, paleontology and the history of Niles during this special Spring Break program. Activities include scavenger hunts at the Fort St. Joseph Museum and Chapin Mansion, a fun craft, jr. digging activity and more! For more information, please reach out to Mollie Watson at the Niles History Center: mwatson@nilesmi.org. Admission is free. 

Hope to see you soon!

Carson