Fort site providing insight on 17th-century Indians

NORWALK, Conn. — A 1600s Native American fort uncovered as part of a rail bridge replacement project is shining some light on a tribe’s first dealings with Europeans.

The find on a sliver of land next to railroad tracks that carry Amtrak and Metro-North commuter trains is considered one of the most important discoveries in the Northeast for Native American history.

Not only did experts recently find the remains of the 17th-century fort, but they also discovered some artifacts that date back an estimated 3,000 years.

“It’s one of the earliest historic period sites that has been found so far,” said archaeologist Ross Harper.

He said it appears the Norwalk Indian had a fort at the site from about 1615 to 1640 and used it to trade goods with early Dutch settlers. A 19th-century history of Norwalk mentions an old Native American fort, and a road near the site is still named Fort Point Street.

The site was found during preliminary archaeological surveys ordered as part of the state’s upcoming replacement of the 122-year-old Walk Bridge. Construction is set to begin next year.

Harper works for Archaeological & Historical Services Inc., a Storrs, Connecticut-based firm that is removing artifacts from the site and taking them back to its offices for cleaning and study. Some may be headed to museums.

The firm has been working in consultation with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans — the two federally recognized tribes in the state. There is no known opposition to the removal of the artifacts.

The two tribes issued a joint statement on the project this week.

“Any time a Native American site or artifacts are found, the utmost sensitivity should be used,” the statement said. “While the Walk Bridge construction site in Norwalk may or may not have direct ties to the Mohegan or Mashantucket Pequot tribes … we take the matter seriously. In fact, Tribal Preservation Officers from both tribes have actively been working with people on the ground there for over a year to offer their expertise.”

Dave Collins The Associated Press Emma Wink, right, and Stephanie Scialo, part of an archaeological team, work Tuesday at the site of a Native American fort in Norwalk, Conn. The fort was found as part of a bridge replacement project.