Historical Trekking, also called experimental archeology or experimental anthropology is attempting to recreate the everyday activities of the past using research and period techniques and items. Historical Trekking is an activity that our unit focuses on. It gives us the opportunity to really experience what it was like for the soldiers of the French and Indian War. We primarily concentrate on the experience of getting into the woods with our uniforms and accoutrements, to find out what it was like to march or scout for miles, then set up an encampment, do guard duty, make period meals, &c.

We have not yet done a canoe or batteau trek, we would like to in the future. The waterways of North America in the 18^th century, was in essence like today’s highway system. British soldiers commonly used batteaux and whaleboats to travel through the vast wilderness. They portaged from river to lake, river to river, lake to lake, to avoid dangerous rapids. Boats and canoes needed to be patched and repaired. With so many lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and not the mention the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota it would be shame not to take advantage of the opportunity.

We do both day treks and weekend treks. Some of us have belonged to trekking organizations such as the Coalition of Historical Trekkers. One member wrote an article for On The Trail magazine, a magazine dedicated to historical trekking. While many of us have done treks in a more civilian role, we were looking for treks of a military nature.

As a unit we have done treks in several mid-west locations. In Wisconsin we have done treks in the Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) and the Chequamegon National Forest. In Minnesota we trekked in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest and the Superior National Forest’s Superior Hiking Trail (one of the most beautiful and best spots for trekking in the mid-west.) We’ve been to the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Trekking Links

55^th of Foot Light Infantry Company Website Menu