Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Fort Mackinac

Photographed by M H, August 21, 2010

1. Historic Fort Mackinac Marker

Inscription. Mackinac Island has been called the most historic spot in the Middle West. Fort Mackinac was first built by the British in 1780-81. It was not until 1796, thirteen years after the end of the Revolutionary War, that the British relinquished this fort to the Americans. At the outbreak of the War of 1812 the British seized the island and built Fort George. This fort, which you see to the north beyond the Rifle Range, was renamed Fort Holmes by the Americans who reoccupied the island in 1815. Troops garrisoned Fort Mackinac until 1895.

Erected by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 189.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • War of 1812 • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.

Location. 45° 51.18′ N, 84° 37.032′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is on Huron Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mackinac Island MI 49757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

and on the Straits of Mackinac.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Scout Barracks / Parade Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); The Defenses of Fort Mackinac: The British Fort, 1779-1796

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Defenses of Fort Mackinac: The American Fort, 1796 - 1895 (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1780 British Water Well (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flags at Fort Mackinac (about 400 feet away); Greany Grove (about 400 feet away); Dr. William Beaumont (about 400 feet away); Somewhere in Time Gazebo (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.

Northeast Corner of Historic Fort Mackinac with Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M H, August 21, 2010

2. Northeast Corner of Historic Fort Mackinac with Marker

Photographed by Cameron Zwart, July 9, 2007

3. Historic Fort Mackinac Marker

Photographed by Kevin W., May 31, 2026

4. Historic Fort Mackinac Marker

Photo taken from inside the fort.

Fort Mackinack image. Click for full size.

Public domain

5. Fort Mackinack

From The Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812 by Benson John Lossing, 1896, page 269.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,473 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Mh of Las Vegas, Nevada. 2. submitted on August 29, 2010, by Mh of Las Vegas, Nevada. 3. submitted on May 16, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. 4. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on January 15, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.