Fort Holmes facts for kids
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Fort Holmes
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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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 |
Fort Holmes is a small, fortified area made of earth. It sits on the very highest point of Mackinac Island in Michigan. This historic spot was first built in 1814 by British soldiers during the War of 1812. Its main job was to help protect the bigger Fort Mackinac from possible attacks by the U.S. Army.
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Building Fort Holmes
The British army built Fort Holmes during the War of 1812, which lasted from 1812 to 1814. They called this new fort Fort George. They made it stronger by adding cannons, a blockhouse (a small, strong building with holes for shooting), and a special room called a magazine to store gunpowder and other supplies.
An Outpost, Not a Main Fort
Even though it had defenses, Fort George was never a main fort on its own. It was always a smaller, dependent outpost. Its purpose was to support the larger Fort Mackinac, which was nearby.
Renamed Fort Holmes
After the War of 1812 ended, the United States took control of Mackinac Island again in 1815. This happened because of a peace agreement called the Treaty of Ghent. The American soldiers then took over Fort George.
They carefully measured and studied the fort. They decided to rename it Fort Holmes. This new name honored Major Andrew Holmes, an American officer. He had sadly died in 1814 during the Battle of Mackinac Island.
Abandoned and Rebuilt
After renaming it, the American army soon left Fort Holmes. Over more than a hundred years, the earth walls and buildings slowly wore away and disappeared.
In 1936, a government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA) decided to rebuild Fort Holmes. This program helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. Workers used old maps from 1817 to make the fort look like it did during the War of 1812.
However, by 1984, most of these rebuilt buildings had also disappeared. Only the earth walls of the fort remained.
Fort Holmes Today
In 2015, the Mackinac Island State Park completed another reconstruction of Fort Holmes. Now, it looks like it did in 1817 once more. The blockhouse building is open during the summer. Inside, you can find special panels that explain the fort's history.
Many visitors come to Fort Holmes for the amazing views. From this high point, about 310 feet above Lake Huron, you can see much of the Straits of Mackinac. This is the waterway connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. You can even rent the fort and blockhouse for special events!
