A British Stronghold in Early American Michigan
Fort Drummond Officers Quarters
Located on the western end of Drummond Island in Michigan’s Whitney Bay is Fort Drummond. The fort has also been known as Fort Colyer or Fort Collier and holds a unique place in American history. Established in 1815 by British forces, Fort Drummond was built on American soil post-War of 1812, following the Treaty of Ghent. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site, the fort is currently private property, and only a few remnants like stone chimneys remain.
The Fort’s Beginnings
Fort Drummond’s story began with the Treaty of Ghent. The treaty required the British to relinquish control of Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. Lieutenant Colonel Robert McDonall, in charge of the British forces, received orders to vacate Fort Mackinac. His order told him to establish a new base close enough to maintain influence over Native American tribes and the fur trade near the Straits of Mackinac. He chose Drummond Island, a relatively remote site that provided a strategic vantage point.
Aerial view of Fort Drummond Site
The move to Drummond Island took time. Troops and resources were gradually transported. Fort Mackinac was finally handed over to American forces on July 18, 1815. The British garrison, comprised of 350 to 400 people, began constructing makeshift structures on Drummond Island, despite uncertainties over its ownership and limited resources to build substantial fortifications.
Strained British-Native Relations
Fort Drummond became more than a military base; it was a critical location for British relations with Native Americans. After the War of 1812, Native American tribes sought continued support from the British as American expansion increasingly threatened their lands. Many Native Americans viewed the British as allies. With British influence, tribes regularly traveled to Fort Drummond for assistance and supplies. However, the British were limited in what they could provide. They often gave only nominal “Indian goods” instead of weapons or meaningful aid. This fueled frustration and a growing sense of betrayal among Native Americans.
Fort Drummond Parade Grounds
In response to British limitations, Native Americans began to see Britain as inconsistent, fueling distrust between the two groups. British leaders, like McDonall, attempted to pacify the tri. He encouraged them to view Britain as their “Great Father”. He suggested that the Treaty of Ghent was only a temporary peace. Yet, the strain between the Native Americans and British escalated as the fort continued to provide inadequate support.
The Abandonment of Fort Drummond
By 1822, an international boundary commission ruled that Drummond Island was indeed part of the United States. British forces, led by a succession of officers, delayed their exit until 1828. They left behind supplies, furniture, and even personal items. Fort Drummond’s departure marked the end of British military presence on American soil post-War of 1812. Although American troops took possession briefly, the fort was never actively used again.
Fort Drummond Cemetery
What Remains Today
The original settlement at Fort Drummond included a blend of military structures and civilian homes. Everything was centered around a parade ground facing the bay. Today, traces of its past remains. There are a few chimneys, faint foundations, and a cemetery where an estimated 300 people are buried. Many of the graves include those that succumbed to scurvy and smallpox. The remnants of Fort Drummond are only visible from the water. The Fort’s historical significance as a British stronghold and a critical point of contact with Native Americans endures in the lore of Drummond Island.
Learn more about the rich history of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
