Navigate / search

TMHC War of 1812 Artifacts

War of 1812 Artifacts Archaeological excavations conducted by Timmins Martelle Heritage Consultants Inc. (TMHC) uncovered a small number of artifacts from the War of 1812. These included a musket ball, two buck shot and a caltrop. Click here to see image examples.  The musket ball measured between 16.5 mm (0.65 inch) and 17.0 mm (0.67 inch) in diameter, and both buck shot measured in the double naught size range, that is, between 8.4 mm (0.33 inch) and 8.9 mm (0.35 inch) in diameter. These sizes were consistent with the buck and ball load American troops employed during the War of 1812. Buck and ball was a paper cartridge containing one musket ball and two or three buck shot. The purpose was to increase the chance of hitting a target with the bonus possibility of hitting multiple targets with one shot. The smaller buck shot might not kill a target but could cause enough injury to remove a soldier from battle.

buck and ball
Buck and Ball found during excavations by TMHC

A caltrop (also known as a crow’s foot) was an iron, non-explosive, anti-personnel device that always had a spike pointed up when tossed on the ground, causing injury to the horse or person who stepped on it. The purpose of caltrops was to slow down pursuing troops. Caltrops typically had four points, while the one collected by TMHC had five points. It is also quite small, with a maximum length of 34 mm (1.34 inches). The caltrop is a unique find; so far it is the only known War of 1812 caltrop.

caltrop
Caltrop found during excavations by TMHC.

 

The only other known caltrops found archaeologically were discovered at Jamestown, Virginia. In this case, the 17th-century colonists used caltrops as a defense and warning system against surprise attacks.

Caltrop from Jamestown.
Caltrop from Jamestown.

Comments

Courtney
Reply

Hello,
I just have a question regarding where the caltrop was found? You have stated where the one not relating to the War of 1812 was found, but I would like to know the location of the discovery of the 5 point caltrop related to the War of 1812.
Thank you.

Museum of Ontario Archaeology
Reply

The caltrop was found during archaeological excavations at Tecumseh Park, Chatham, Ontario. The archaeology was done in advance of park improvements.

After a crushing naval defeat, British troops were retreating eastward along the Thames River in the fall of 1813. Chief Tecumseh, a British ally, opposed the retreat but was assured the British would take a stand against the Americans at this location. However, when Tecumseh arrived here with his people there was no one. With the Americans in pursuit, Tecumseh decided to stay and fight in an attempt to slow the American advance. An hours-long skirmish between Tecumseh’s forces and American troops took place in the park named after the Chief. Tecumseh, too, was forced to retreat, and was killed the next day, 5 October 1813, during the Battle of the Thames.

Blake Saunders
Reply

Greetings,
Im a college student, and Im righting a paper on The War of 1812 and artifacts found in the area of Southern Ontario.
I was wondering if you could provide any further information regarding where and when these artifacts were found.
Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Any contact information I could use for sourcing would also be appreciated.
Thank You for your time.

Blake Saunders, Grad Student at St. Clair College
Program: Graphic Design

Fraser Card
Reply

Caltrop ?
I knew them as used on horses to cripple them. They were scattered on the ground for defence of calvary or is some accounts, supply wagons ?

interesting

Melody Letford
Reply

Hello I purchased a bag that I thought were clay marbles on an online auction in my area (Long Sault Ontario) now that I’ve seen this site I’m not so sure. They look a lot like those balls you have listed. Also there appears to be a caltrop that has been worn down, possibly found in a creek? I’d love to send you a picture. Thanks,
Melody
Melody

Heather Hatch
Reply

Hello Melody,

If you would to send us an image, you can send one to info@archaeologymuseum.ca. However,the shot that is pictured in this article is made of lead, not clay, so if your marbles are clay, that is likely what they are.

Jason Martin
Reply

I am a student interested in learning what is being done to preserve the caltrop and what method of storage is it currently contained in?

Jason

Heather Hatch
Reply

Hello Jason,

This collection was excavated by TMHC. To know more about the artifacts and storage, you would need to contact them. Their website is https://tmhc.ca/

Leave a comment

name*

email* (not published)

website

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.