Fort
Historic
Mackinac Island
Colonial
Old Mackinac
Historic
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Historical Facts & FAQEstablished: 1714 Dates of occupation: 1714-1781 Who originally built and occupied the Fort Michilimackinac? The French When did the British take control? 1761, following the fall of New France a year earlier. What tribes occupied the region? At the time of French settlement of the Straits, the Odawa (also spelled Ottawa) occupied the region. In 1670 there was a small village on the north side of the Straits. This was moved south to the location of Michilimackinac between 1708 and 1710. Father Marquette brought a band of Huron Indians with him in 1671. They moved to Detroit after 1701. Why was Michilimackinac important? Michilimackinac served as a transshipment center and refueling post for the upper great lakes fur trade.
What happened to the fort? In 1780-81 the fort was moved to Mackinac Island. Several of the fort’s buildings were dismantled and reassembled on Mackinac Island. What was not moved was burned. Why was the fort moved? The British feared an attack by American rebels. The fort was extremely vulnerable to a naval assault. The island location was far more secure. When was Michilimackinac State Park created? 1909. How big is Michilimackinac State Park? It covers 37 acres with 2,100 feet of Great Lakes Shoreline. When did the Michilimackinac Archaeological excavation begin? 1959
When did the Michilimackinac Archaeological excavation end? It has not yet ended, and continues every summer. How many artifacts have been recovered? Over one million. How much of the fort has been excavated? Approximately 65% Federal Recognition: Fort Michilimackinac is a National Historic Landmark. |
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