During the summer of 1862, Fort Mackinac held an unusual title: political prison. On June 21–22, reenactors portraying the “Stanton Guard”—a company mustered to guard political prisoners at Fort Mackinac in 1862—will join park interpreters to present unique programs throughout the historic site.
All special programming is included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. Reenactors will assist the Fort Mackinac staff with regular programming, such as cannon and rifle demonstrations, as well as leading an additional program, The Stanton Guard at Fort Mackinac, after the 12:00 p.m. rifle firing demonstration. Reenactors will be on site 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Event Schedule Highlights:
Saturday, June 21 - Reenactors on site 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
10:00 a.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
11:00 a.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by Mackinac National Park:150 Program
12:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Stanton Guard at Fort Mackinac Program
1:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
2:00 p.m. Drill Activity and Rifle Firing Demonstration
3:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
4:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration
5:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
6:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration
6:30 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
7:00 p.m. Fort Mackinac Closed for the Evening
Sunday, June 22 - Reenactors on site 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
10:00 a.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
11:00 a.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by Mackinac National Park:150 Program
12:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Stanton Guard at Fort Mackinac Program
1:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
2:00 p.m. Drill Activity and Rifle Firing Demonstration
3:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
4:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration
5:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
6:00 p.m. Rifle Firing Demonstration
6:30 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
7:00 p.m. Fort Mackinac Closed for the Evening
Fort Mackinac is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Standing guard over Mackinac Island for more than 240 years, the fort features original military buildings, immersive exhibits, and breathtaking views. Many Mackinac State Historic Parks programs are supported by Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage.
More information on the event can be found here. Tickets can be found here.
