Why was Fort Michilimackinac important?
SIGNIFICANCE. Fort Michilimackinac was built by the French on the south shore of the Straits of Mackinac in approximately 1715. Several years later, as the French sought to expand the fur trade, they built Fort Michilimackinac to re-establish a French presence in the Straits area.
What happened at Fort Michilimackinac?
1763– Fort Michilimackinac attacked and captured by local Ojibwa as part of Pontiac’s Uprising. 1764– Fort Michilimackinac returned to the British by American Indians. British arrive aboard the schooner Gladwin, the first sailing vessel to call at the straits since the ill-fated Griffin in 1679.
What happened to the British at Fort Michilimackinac?
The British returned to Fort Michilimackinac, but later burned it when the garrison was moved to Mackinac Island. The original fort was built by the French 300 years ago in 1715. A replica stands today on the site of the original at the base of the Mackinac Bridge.
Who tried to invade Canada?
In 1812, the United States invaded Canada. In June 1812, the United States declared war on Britain, already locked in combat with Napoleon’s France. The resulting War of 1812 was fought largely on Canadian territory, especially along the Niagara frontier.
How old is Fort Michilimackinac?
306c. 1715
Fort Mackinac/Age
What is the history of Michilimackinac in Mackinac Island?
Michilimackinac 1778: Rumors of War. This is Mackinac. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations.
Who was the British commander at Fort Michilimackinac?
The most famous British Commander at Michilimackinac was Major Robert Rogers who was Commandant from 1766-1768. A colonial farmer from New Hampshire, Rogers created a the French and Indian war unit called Rogers’ Rangers. He was portrayed by Spencer Tracy in the movie The Northwest Passage.
When did Fort Michilimackinac become a state park?
The immediate area was uninhabited for nearly 80 years until the community of Mackinaw City was started in the 1860s. The original 1857 plate laying out Mackinaw City preserved the Fort grounds as a park. In 1904 the city turned over control of the park to the State of Michigan and it became Michilimackinac State Park.
How much does it cost to go to Fort Michilimackinac?
In 1959 archeological work at Michilimackinac began and much more accurate reconstruction of the Fort began in 1960. The work has continued every summer, making Michilimackinac the longest running archeological dig in North America. Admission to Fort Michilimackinac is $12.50 for ages 13 & older and $7.50 for ages 5-12.