Last updated: April 23, 2021
Place
British Trading Post
NPS/Martinson
Quick Facts
Location:
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Significance:
Location of a trading post used in the 1700s.
Amenities
4 listed
Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
The British Trading Post was established in 1690, and consisted of a five-sided stockade and two interior buildings. The longest wall paralleled the ancient trading path adjacent to it and had two openings, probably gates. The smallest ‘gate’ was five feet in length and possibly used for pedestrian traffic. The length of the second ‘gate’ suggests use for the pack horses loaded with incoming trading goods and outgoing deer skins.
Most trading posts of this era had a building for trading, including merchandise storage and a warehouse for storing the deer skins prior to shipment. Excavations at the site revealed Indian construction techniques (wattle and daub) consistent with the practice of using Indian labor. The smaller building was approximately 11 x 11 feet and adjacent to the largest entrance. A second structure was in the southwestern area of the stockade and measured 15 x 25 feet.
Most trading posts of this era had a building for trading, including merchandise storage and a warehouse for storing the deer skins prior to shipment. Excavations at the site revealed Indian construction techniques (wattle and daub) consistent with the practice of using Indian labor. The smaller building was approximately 11 x 11 feet and adjacent to the largest entrance. A second structure was in the southwestern area of the stockade and measured 15 x 25 feet.