White Cedar Paddle Fragment - GRPO 16122

White cedar paddle blade, Ottertail-style with rounded tip, part of lower shaft, and dihedral cross-section. This is the most complete and best preserved paddle blade in Grand Portage National Monument's collection. Its is believed to date to the time of the XY Company, circa 1798 to 1804. This smaller firm was a competitor of the North West Company that ultimately merged with them in the early 19th century.