The Battle of Mackinac Island was a British victory in the War of 1812. Before the war, Fort Mackinac had been an important American trading post in the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. I
Battle of 1814 state historic marker
In May 1814, 21 sailors from the Royal Navy arrived to reinforce the crew of HMS Nancy, a schooner vital to resupplying Fort Mackinac.
American Brig Gen Duncan McArthur established Fort Gratiot in 1814 as an advanced base to retake Mackinac Island.
After two days of naval bombardment, Lt Col George Croghan decided to land his force on the north side of the island, and work his way through the woods to attack the British positions.