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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Wright, Robin Riddell, April 1985 - THE 1780 BRITISH WELL SITE
Abstract: This thesis describes an archeological excavation at Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, Michigan. Fort Mackinac was established when Fort Michilimackinac was disassembled in 1780 and moved from its mainland location on the shore of Lake Michigan to the island in the Straits of Mackinac. The excavation was undertaken as part of the bicentennial celebration of Fort Mackinac. The focus of the excavation was the 18th century British well, one of the original features of Fort Mackinac. Structural evidence of the well was discovered in 1980 and additional data were obtained in 1981, allowing the diameter to be determined. The well, built in 1780/81 by the British, became unusable early in the 19th century during the American occupation, and was filled in the 1830s. The 1878 demolition of the powder magazine to clear the area for the construction of the commissary warehouse led to further deposition. These and later stratigraphic deposits are described in detail. The excavation revealed undocumented features in association with the well. A revetment wall on the west side of the well was unearthed; it is not shown on historical plans of the fort. The remnant of a wooden chute used in filling the well was discovered on the east side of the well. The artifacts and their distribution are discussed and used in dating the stratigraphic layers and sequence of filling the well. The exposed architectural remains showed the diameter of the well to be 14 feet at its mouth. The majority of the well casing was demolished during the filling process. The well casing remaining in situ was made up of dressed stones set spirally on a bedrock lip which was undercut. The shaft of the well was cut through limestone bedrock and therefore there was no need to line the well shaft. After the well no longer supplied water to the fort, it fell to disrepair. Over a period of 168 years it was filled in, covered, and remained undisturbed until 1980. Now it remains in situ and on display for all visitors to Fort Mackinac to view.
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