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Articles

Vol. 37 (2025)

Classification of the Fort St. Joseph (20BE23) Excavated Bead Collection

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5399/
Submitted
March 9, 2025
Published
December 22, 2025

Abstract

The archaeological site of Fort St. Joseph (20BE23), occupied from 1691 to 1781 CE, was a French colonial outpost located along the St. Joseph River near present-day Niles, Michigan. It was situated among the Miami, Potawatomi, and Sauk peoples. This article describes the examination and classification of the glass and non-glass beads recovered archaeologically from 2002 through 2006. A total of 52 types, including 32 new glass varieties (and some types) were identified along with six non-glass categories. This study concludes with a discussion of possible uses for the beads by the people living in and around the fort.