British Landing facts for kids
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British Landing
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | Mackinac Island, Michigan |
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| Part of | Mackinac Island (ID66000397) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated NHLDCP | October 15, 1966 |
British Landing is a special spot on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It's about two miles (3 km) northwest of the island's main town and harbor. This place is famous for a big event that happened during the War of 1812. On July 16–17, 1812, soldiers from the British Army and their Native American and indigenous allies landed here. Their goal was to take over Fort Mackinac, which was held by the U.S. Army. Their plan worked, and the fort was surrendered.
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What Happened at British Landing?
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When the War of 1812 began, Fort Mackinac was a very important place. It was located at the top of Lake Huron and controlled a large area. Near the fort, there was also a busy trading post. People traded furs and other goods there.
The American soldiers at Fort Mackinac didn't know that war had started. But the British military in Upper Canada (which is now part of Ontario) knew. They quickly told the commander of Fort St. Joseph, a British fort about 40 miles (65 km) away. The British commander, Charles Roberts, decided to gather his troops and Native allies to attack Mackinac Island.
A Surprise Attack in 1812
On the night of July 16–17, 1812, the British force arrived at the north shore of Mackinac Island. They came in a sailing ship and many war canoes. They landed very quietly at British Landing, and the American soldiers didn't even know they were there.
The British brought light cannons from their ship. They pulled these cannons up through the island's center to a spot above Fort Mackinac. On the morning of July 17, the American soldiers woke up to a big surprise. The British and their allies had surrounded the fort with their troops and cannons. They demanded that the fort surrender.
The plan worked perfectly! Fort Mackinac was taken by the British without anyone getting hurt.
The American Attempt to Recapture the Fort in 1814
Two years later, on August 4, 1814, the War of 1812 was almost over. An American force tried to take Fort Mackinac back from the British. They also landed at British Landing.
But this time, it wasn't a surprise. The British were ready for them. The American landing in 1814 was not successful. The American soldiers had to get back on their ships the same day.
British Landing Today
Today, British Landing is a well-known spot on M-185. This is a special road that goes around the shore of Mackinac Island. It's only for bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, not cars.
During the summer, many visitors come to British Landing. They often arrive by bike or carriage. Much of the land around British Landing is part of Mackinac Island State Park.
A Registered Historic Site
In 1958, British Landing was recognized as a Michigan historic site. It was given the number SO187. A special marker was put up to tell its story.
