12.2 British and French colonial archaeology in North America
5 min read•august 16, 2024
British and French colonial archaeology in North America reveals distinct settlement patterns and cultural exchanges. Excavations uncover European goods, local adaptations, and evidence of complex interactions with indigenous peoples.
Scientific techniques like dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating help archaeologists piece together colonial life. Artifacts, architecture, and environmental data paint a picture of adaptation, conflict, and cultural blending in early America.
Archaeological Evidence of Colonial Settlements
Diverse Settlement Sites and Material Culture
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Introduction to Literature of Colonial America – American Literature I: An Anthology of Texts ... View original
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English Settlements in America | United States History 1 (OS Collection) View original
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Archaeological sites of British and French colonies in North America span from the 16th to 18th centuries ( 1607, 1608)
Material culture found includes European-manufactured goods and locally produced items
European goods: ceramics, glassware, metal objects
Local items: adapted tools, clothing made from indigenous materials
Architectural remains and settlement patterns reveal differences in colonial strategies
British colonies: planned town layouts with gridded streets
French settlements: more dispersed, riverine pattern following natural waterways
Environmental Adaptation and Interactions
Faunal and botanical remains provide insights into colonial diets and agricultural practices
Integration of Old World crops (wheat) with New World food sources (corn, squash)
Evidence of hunting local game and fishing in addition to domesticated livestock
Trade goods and artifacts of indigenous origin indicate complex interactions
European glass beads and metal tools found at Native American sites
Indigenous pottery and stone tools discovered in colonial contexts
, weaponry, and military-related artifacts reflect competitive expansion
Earthwork fortifications, cannons, musket balls
Evidence of conflicts between European powers and with indigenous groups
Scientific Dating and Analysis Techniques
Dendrochronology uses tree ring patterns to date wooden structures and artifacts
Radiocarbon dating determines age of organic materials up to 50,000 years old
Archaeomagnetic dating analyzes changes in Earth's magnetic field recorded in clay
These techniques establish precise chronologies of colonial sites
Allow understanding of site development and changes over time
Phases of construction, periods of occupation, abandonment events
Colonial Impact on Native Americans
Changes in Settlement and Material Culture
Archaeological evidence reveals changes in Native American settlement patterns
Relocation of some groups closer to European trading posts
Consolidation of smaller villages into larger, more defensible settlements
Material culture shows incorporation of European goods into indigenous lifeways
Adoption of metal tools replacing stone implements
Use of glass beads in traditional decorative arts (wampum belts)
Firearms integrated into hunting and warfare practices
Shifts in Subsistence and Economic Strategies
Faunal remains and agricultural evidence indicate changes in food production
Intensification of fur trapping to meet European demand (beaver, deer)
Adoption of European crops (wheat, barley) and livestock (pigs, cattle)
Trade networks and artifact distributions demonstrate far-reaching effects
Spread of European goods to tribes beyond direct contact zones
Changes in inter-tribal relations due to new economic opportunities and conflicts
Cultural and Demographic Impacts
Mortuary practices and grave goods reflect impact of European diseases
Mass graves indicating epidemic events
Inclusion of European religious items in traditional burials
Evidence of conflict illustrates violent aspects of colonial expansion
Destruction layers in indigenous settlements
Increased presence of defensive structures in Native American sites
Changes over time reveal processes of cultural exchange and adaptation
Hybridization of indigenous and European artistic styles
Modifications to traditional ceremonies incorporating European elements
British vs French Colonial Strategies
Settlement Patterns and Architecture
British colonies feature more centralized, urban layouts
Grid system in towns like Philadelphia and Charleston
Focus on permanent agricultural settlements
French colonies follow a more dispersed, rural model along waterways
Seigneurial system with long, narrow land plots extending from rivers
Emphasis on fur trade posts and military outposts
Architectural styles reflect distinct cultural traditions
British structures adhere to Georgian principles (symmetry, proportion)
French buildings incorporate elements of Norman and Parisian designs (steep roofs, dormer windows)
Material Culture and Trade Patterns
Ceramic assemblages show differences in trade and cultural preferences
British sites: higher proportions of English-made wares (creamware, pearlware)
French sites: more French faience and coarse earthenwares
Both engaged in fur trade with different intensities and methods
French developed extensive networks with indigenous trappers
British relied more on chartered companies and colonial traders
Military and Religious Approaches
Military installations reveal different approaches to colonial defense
French sites emphasize strategic river locations (Fort Carillon)
British forts focus on coastal and inland frontier protection (Fort Ticonderoga)
Religious artifacts and structures indicate divergent missionary activities
French Jesuits establish missions in indigenous territories (Sainte-Marie among the Hurons)
British colonists focus more on settlement-based churches (Old North Church in Boston)
Archaeology for Understanding Colonial Life
Household and Domestic Life
Household archaeology provides insights into daily life and social structures
Analysis of architectural remains reveals room functions and family organization
Artifact assemblages indicate wealth disparities and consumer choices
Zooarchaeological and paleobotanical studies reveal dietary practices
Animal bone remains show preferences for certain meats (pork, beef)
Seed and pollen analysis indicates cultivation of both Old and New World crops
Economic Networks and Cultural Exchange
Analysis of trade goods illuminates economic networks and power dynamics
Distribution of European ceramics indicates trade routes and market access
Presence of indigenous crafts in colonial sites suggests ongoing exchange
Excavations of public spaces offer evidence of social interactions
Marketplaces show diversity of goods and cultural mixing
Meeting houses and churches reveal governance structures and community organization
Scientific Techniques and Material Analysis
Isotope analysis of human remains provides information on individual life histories
Strontium isotopes indicate place of origin and migration patterns
Carbon and nitrogen isotopes reveal dietary shifts associated with colonization
Artifact conservation and analysis reconstruct colonial craft production
X-ray fluorescence identifies material composition of metal artifacts
Petrographic analysis of ceramics reveals manufacturing techniques and clay sources
Comparative analysis of colonial and indigenous sites traces cultural change
Changes in artifact styles over time show processes of adaptation
Persistence of traditional practices alongside new technologies demonstrates resilience