Fort St. Joseph

Fort St. Joseph is an archaeological site from the French colonial period along the St. Joseph River. The grounds contain the remains of military structures and residential buildings that have been partially excavated and studied over many years.

The fort began in 1691 as a French trading hub for the fur business. Control passed to the British after their victory in 1761, though the settlement did not last much longer.

The site brought together French colonists, Native American peoples, and soldiers in daily exchange and commerce. Walking through the grounds, you can sense how different groups shared and traded goods here.

The site is typically open to visitors and marked with informational displays about the excavations. During summer months, university students regularly conduct digs here, which visitors can sometimes observe from designated areas.

Among the most valued discoveries is a Jesuit religious medallion from the 1730s, preserved in riverbank soil for centuries. Such personal items reveal details about the individual lives of people who lived at this remote outpost.

Location: Niles

Inception: 1680

Part of: New France

GPS coordinates: 41.81361,-86.26222

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40