After losing Fort Mackinac and failing to take it back in the War of 1812, American soldiers returned to Fort Mackinac in 1815. These soldiers not only played an important role in post-war relations within the community of Mackinac Island and British Canada but also left their mark by constructing new buildings at Fort Mackinac and expanding Fort Holmes.
The War of 1812 reenactors will assist Fort Mackinac staff with regular programs, such as cannon and rifle demonstrations, while a new program will be presented by the reenactors at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., Rifle Demonstration and U.S. Rifles Drill. In addition, a special War of 1812 program will take place following the 12:00 p.m. rifle firing demonstration. The War of 1812 reenactors will also be present throughout the day at Fort Mackinac providing informal interpretation and answering guest questions.
On Sunday, June 15, the War of 1812 reenactors, as well as the Fort Mackinac interpretive staff, will also participate in the Lilac Festival Grand Parade, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
All special programs are included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac ($17/adults, $10.25/child ages 5-12). Admission to Fort Mackinac also includes entry to the Historic Downtown Mackinac collection of buildings.
Support for many Mackinac State Historic Parks programs comes from Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage.
A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Additional photos available upon request.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Saturday, June 14
9:30 a.m. Morning Cannon Salute, Fort Mackinac Open
10:00 a.m. Rifle Demonstration, followed by 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 War of 1812 and Fort Mackinac Program
1:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
2:00 p.m. Rifle Demonstration and U.S. Rifles Drill
3:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
4:00 p.m. Rifle Demonstration and U.S. Rifles Drill
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 15
9:30 a.m. Morning Cannon Salute, Fort Mackinac Open
10:00 a.m. Rifle Demonstration, followed by 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 War of 1812 and Fort Mackinac Program
1:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration
2:00 p.m. Rifle Demonstration and U.S. Rifles Drill
3:00 p.m. Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
4:00 p.m. Canon Firing to start Lilac Festival Grand Parade
4:30 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
