Dillon's class had a field trip to Fort Nisqually. It was my turn for a field trip since Daddy goes on the next one. It was an old trading fort, there were never any battles because it was place of business. On occasion they would have some soldiers there but only for a few weeks or a month. They had a really diverse population (British, Native American, Hawaiian, Canadian etc) and worked 160,000 acres. They had a couple of the original buildings that had been moved to the current location. The kids were shocked to find out that most kids were "invisible" they didn't get chairs or beds. The only exception was the "boss's" family.
The laborers' dwelling and one of the bastions.
Dillon was asked to model a real beaver felt hat.
They had a LOT of old equipment, dishes, clothes, etc. They have so many details about life because all the records were kept meticulously. It was a place of business so they recorded names and what was traded for what, on each day. They also recorded the tasks done each day and the weather.
They had a blacksmith there who actually does all the metal work needed for the fort (latches, hinges, door handles, toy puzzles they sell in the gift shop). Dillon's favorite part was the black smith. There was a really cool old bellows, it was HUGE, as big around as an exercise trampoline and about counter height. He showed them how the metal glows and how it's shaped.
The kids were put to "work" watering the crops. A few of the kids actually used yokes to carry water buckets.
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