America’s Failed 1814 Invasion
On this day in history—August 4, 1814—the quiet shores of Mackinac Island erupted with the sounds of war. Determined to reclaim the island from British control during the War of 1812, American forces launched an ambitious invasion that would ultimately end in defeat.
The British had seized Mackinac Island two years earlier, in 1812. The Americans, smarting from the loss, devised a plan to take it back. The strategy: land troops on the island’s northwest shore and establish a foothold to “annoy and starve out” the British forces stationed at Fort Mackinac.
Fleet from Detroit
Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Croghan, over 750 American soldiers—along with a fleet of seven U.S. Navy warships led by Commodore Arthur Sinclair—set sail from Detroit. Along the way, they captured British outposts on St. Joseph’s Island and Sault Ste. Marie before reaching the waters near Mackinac on July 25, 1814. But Croghan hesitated to land immediately, as many of his soldiers were sick. This delay allowed the British commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robert McDouall, to prepare for the inevitable assault.
Finally, on August 4, the Americans made their move. After a naval bombardment, the troops landed on the island and began marching inland. The fighting took place on the farm of Michael Dousman, west of the road leading to what we now know as British Landing. The British, along with Canadian soldiers and Native American allies, were entrenched on a wooded ridge. The formidable position proved difficult to dislodge.
America Retreats
Major Andrew Holmes, a respected Virginian officer and friend of Thomas Jefferson, led a key assault on the left flank of the British line. Tragically, he was killed almost immediately in an ambush by Native warriors. The loss of Holmes, along with mounting casualties, broke the momentum of the American attack. After just over an hour of fighting, the Americans retreated back to their ships.
The outcome was grim for the United States: 15 soldiers killed, including Major Holmes, and around 60 wounded. British and Native forces suffered no casualties. Croghan’s cautious approach—and his lack of faith in the mission—suggested the invasion was doomed from the start. In the end, the Americans failed to retake Mackinac Island by force, and the island remained in British hands until the Treaty of Ghent ended the war later that year. When the island was finally returned to the U.S., Fort George was renamed Fort Holmes in honor of the fallen major.
Today, Mackinac Island is a peaceful place, but its landscapes still hold the memory of this short yet pivotal battle. And ever since that August day in 1814, the island has remained under American control.
Historical Markers
Fort Holmes
Registered in 1956 and erected in 1959 – ID # S79
Located on Fort Holmes Road, Mackinac Island – Lat: 45.85800700/Long: -84.61654900
Here in 1812, on the island’s highest point, a blockhouse and stockade were built by the British and named Fort George. It was the bulwark of British defenses in 1814 when the American attack was repulsed. After the war the Americans renamed the post in honor of Major Holmes, who was killed during the American assault in 1814. The fort was not maintained by the Americans, however. The present blockhouse is not the original building.</p
Battle of 1814
Revolution and War (1760 – 1815) – Registered in 1958 and erected in 1958 – ID # S188
Located on British Landing Road, Mackinac Island – Lat: 45.87351700/Long: -84.63420800
Here in this area on August 4, 1814, an American force battled the British in a vain attempt to recapture the island which the British had seized at the outbreak of the War of 1812. Coming ashore at what is known as British Landing, the Americans under Colonel George Croghan soon ran into strong resistance as they advanced inland. An attempt to outflank the British line was repulsed by Indians hidden in thick woods and resulted in the death of Major Andrew Holmes. Croghan withdrew when he found that he could not defeat the British.
