Collecting pieces of Minnesota's past for the future
About
The Minnesota Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide range of materials chronicling Minnesota's history and culture. The goals of the Collections Department are to collect and preserve; provide access and interpretation; and engage in education and outreach. This blog is a tool to share these stories and let people know what is happening in the department.
Trench Shovel from France
United States Army trench shovel with a pointed steel blade and a "T" shaped wood handle secured by riveted steel straps. The shovel is stamped "U.S." on the blade strap and handle and has the remains of olive drab and reddish paint. Scratched on the blade is "ARGONE [sic] FOREST / NOVEMBER / 15th / 1918". Stamped on the back of the handle strap is "370 CO A". The 370th United States Infantry (part of the 93rd Division), was made up of African American troops from Illinois and fought under French command during World War I.
