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Fort Mackinac

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Fort Mackinac is a former British and American military outpost garrisoned from the late 18th century to the late 19th century in the city of Mackinac Island, Michigan, on Mackinac Island. The British built the fort during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and by extension the fur trade on the Great Lakes. The British did not relinquish the fort until fifteen years after American independence.Fort Mackinac later became the scene of two strategic battles for control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. During most of the 19th century, it served as an outpost of the United States Army. Closed in 1895, the fort has been adapted as a museum on the grounds of Mackinac Island State Park.HistoryAmerican Revolutionary WarBefore 1763, the French used Fort Michilimackinac on the mainland south shore of the Straits of Mackinac to control the area. After the Treaty of Paris (1763), the British occupied the French fort but considered the wooden structure too difficult to defend. In 1780/1781, its lieutenant governor Patrick Sinclair constructed a new limestone fort on the 150-foot limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island above the Straits of Mackinac. The British held the outpost throughout the American Revolutionary War. Captain Daniel Robertson commanded the garrison on Mackinac Island from 1782 to his death in 1787. Despite the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1783), the British did not officially relinquish the fort to the United States until 1796.

Address: 7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
Phone: (906) 847-3328
State: Michigan
County: Mackinac County
Zip Code: 49757



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Reviews
We took the carriage tour and ended at the top side of the fort entrance -very convenient since it’s an uphill climb to get to the entrance. The views from the fort alone were worth the entrance fee-modest $13 per adult. We arrived right around 2:45 pm and the last entrance was at 3pm. The fort itself (for the most part) doesn’t close until 4pm however at about 330 the shop closed and there were very few costumed characters to be found on site. I wanted to check out the store-but was unaware they closed earlier then the rest of the fort-hence the four stars. Majority of the buildings have rooms decorated with accurate depictions of the times- school room, hospital, family homes, post office, etc. the majority of the walking tour involved lots of wall placards with information about the building, people, time frame, etc. and a few offered some mannequins in costume with audio details provided. The one area I would highly recommend is the movie area - sit down to watch a video of the history of the fort, as well as the island. The 20 minute duration will give you quite a bit of detail and audiovisual to satisfy the history needs in each of us. The main building appeared to offer dining and an out door patio overlooking the garden/park below as well great views of the lakes. I’d recommend if you make it to the island do not pass up the fort!!
8 years ago (13-10-2017)
This large historic wooden fort overlooking the town and the water of the lake is quite impressive from far away, and even more so up close. Explore the slopes of the hill leading up from downtown and you’ll appreciate how hard it must be to try to take this fort. It has a complex history considering the somewhat remote location, switching hands between the French, British, and Americans multiple times. On weekends, there are demonstrations with firing the cannons and muskets as well as staff in historic dress. It’s a great place to discover the history of the lakes and this impressive fort.
8 years ago (27-09-2017)
This is a must visit place on Mackinac island. They have gun firing shows every 1-2 hrs. In this fort you can find a small restaurant. The view to Mackinac island is superb. It will take around 2 hrs to visit all the buildings here. The fort is very nice and clean. You can use the same ticket for multiple entry.
8 years ago (30-08-2017)
This place was amazing! Live canon, reenactments and cool history. It's a bit of a hike to get up the side and costs to enter but it is well worth it.
8 years ago (28-10-2017)
Very cool place. Long and steep walk up there but definitely a nice visit. It's a bit pricey in my opinion for what they offer.
8 years ago (14-10-2017)
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