How the Treaty of Ghent Returned Fort Mackinac to the United States

On July 18, 1815, Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island returned to American control after three years under British occupation during the War of 1812. This event was a direct outcome of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war and restored pre-war boundaries. The reoccupation marked a turning point for the region and symbolized a new chapter of peace and U.S. sovereignty in the Great Lakes.

The War of 1812 and the Capture of Fort Mackinac

During the War of 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the war’s first skirmish, taking advantage of its lightly defended position. The British subsequently fortified their presence on Mackinac Island, constructing a new post, Fort George, on the island’s highest point.

The war was part of a larger conflict between Britain and the United States over trade restrictions, territorial disputes, and alliances with Indigenous nations. For the American troops stationed at Fort Mackinac, the war’s outcome would determine the future of U.S. control in the region.

The Treaty of Ghent

Signed on December 24, 1814, in Belgium, the Treaty of Ghent brought the War of 1812 to a formal conclusion. The treaty’s key provisions included:
– The restoration of all captured territory to its pre-war owners.
– The return of prisoners of war.
– The reaffirmation of pre-war territorial boundaries.

While the treaty ensured peace between the U.S. and Britain, it left Indigenous nations in a vulnerable position. The British had provided support against U.S. expansionism.

American Reoccupation of Fort Mackinac

On July 18, 1815, American troops led by Colonel Anthony Butler arrived on Mackinac Island to reclaim Fort Mackinac. Within just 30 minutes, British commander Lieutenant Colonel Robert McDouall formally handed over the fort.

After the transition, the Americans renamed Fort George to Fort Holmes in honor of Major Andrew Holmes. The Major had died heroically in the Battle of Mackinac Island in 1814. Lieutenant Colonel Talbot Chambers was placed in command of the fort, while Butler returned to Detroit.

British Withdrawal to Drummond Island

Following the handover of Fort Mackinac, British forces retreated to nearby Drummond Island, where they established a new base. Interestingly, they remained there until 1828, well after the war’s conclusion. This was just one of ongoing territorial disputes—a story worth its own telling.

Legacy of the Treaty of Ghent and Fort Mackinac

The Treaty of Ghent restored Fort Mackinac to American hands and reaffirmed U.S. control over the strategically important Great Lakes region. Today, Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes stand as historical landmarks, preserving the stories of resilience, conflict, and peace that shaped Mackinac Island’s history.

Visitors to Mackinac Island can explore these forts and relive the events of the War of 1812 through reenactments and exhibits. The story of Fort Mackinac serves as a reminder of the complexities of war and the enduring quest for peace and sovereignty.

Learn more about the rich history of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.