Snow by Night

This week’s almanac entry is the famous tomahawk. This useful tool is ubiquitous on the colonial frontier. Besides, it’s fun to say. Tomahawk, tomahawk, tomahawk. Also, don’t forget to vote for Snow by Night on Top Web Comics. Every vote is very appreciated. You can vote daily.

Fun fact I learned while researching Snow by Night — all those tomahawks that the Indians used? They were trade goods. The tribes didn’t forge their own iron (at least not in significant quanities). There were entire forges in France doing nothing but pumping out tomahawk heads for the traders to swap for furs. But wait, you say, tomahawks were everywhere among the tribes. Yes, you’re right. That’s how widespread the fur trade was in North America.

By the way, I ran across an incredible resource for people interested in life in colonial America — The Journal of the Early Americas. If this period interests you, I recommend it.

Topics: Almanac