The Axe

During railroad construction in 1852, the elevation upon which the Blockhouse once stood was leveled. Earth from the site was used to build up the railroad embankment. Several hatchets were found during this process and one, found in the ruins of the Blockhouse, is now in the possession of the Galen Historical Society. Dated to ca. 1690, it is a French trade axe typical of the period.

The axe head is iron, 5-1/2" in length, and heavily rusted. There is a clear chip in the lower part of the blade. Such hatchets were traded to Native Americans in exchange for furs. Commonly known as "tomahawks", these implements were used as both tools and weapons.

In addition to Native Americans, tomahawks were carried by traders, trappers, hunters, and some soldiers during the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars.

This trade axe is the only known artifact from the Clyde Blockhouse.