Fort Mackinac Chronology

1779-1781	The garrison and fur trade community are moved from Michilimackinac to Mackinac Island.
1783	Mackinac Island part of new United States.
1796	British soldiers depart and American soldiers arrive to garrison fort on September 1.
1812	On July 17 British soldiers capture Fort Mackinac in first land engagement of War of 1812 in the United States.
1814	On August 4 Americans attempt but fail to recapture island.
1815	Mackinac Island returned to United States following end of War of 1812.
1837-1840	Fort Mackinac abandoned to support Second Seminole War.
1848	Fort Mackinac abandoned to support Mexican War.
1857-1858	Fort Mackinac abandoned to support Santee Indian Uprising.
1861	Soldiers depart to support Civil War.
1862	Three Confederate prisoners held at Fort Mackinac.
1867	Soldiers return.
1875	Mackinac National Park established.
1895	Fort is closed. Mackinac National Park becomes Mackinac Island State Park.
1896-1957	Fort buildings leased as summer cottages and apartments.
1914	Park Commission establishes historical museum in Officers’ Stone Quarters.
1934	Several buildings restored as part of WPA project. Historic American Buildings Survey completed for a number of buildings, including walls and blockhouses and Officers’ Stone Quarters.
1958	Revenue Bond program established.
1959-present	Fort Mackinac opens as a living history museum. Restoration        exhibits and interpretation programs implemented.