The oldest building on the island is Fort Mackinac, which was founded in 1780 during the American Revolution, but not by U.S. troops. It was the British army that moved their fort to the island for protection from American attack. They gave control over to the Americans in 1796, but that wasn’t the end of the drama in this historic fort. Possession changed hands again during the War of 1812, finally landing with the Americans in 1815, where it remained until it closed in 1895.
Since 1959, Fort Mackinac’s 14 buildings have been open to the public for daily events, tours, and activities. At the fort, little explorers can learn more with hands-on displays and interactive exhibits. You can also take a tour with a costumed historical guide and one lucky person each summer morning gets to fire the fort’s cannon.