On July 18, 1815, peace returned to Mackinac Island after three years of war. At 2:00 in the afternoon on that day 200 years ago, British troops, some of whom had helped capture Fort Mackinac in the opening days of the War of 1812, peacefully returned control of the island to American soldiers and the United States. Now, two centuries later, a series of special events will culminate in the dedication of a new peace garden on Mackinac Island, celebrating the lasting peace between the United States and Canada.
To mark the end of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, Mackinac State Historic Parks is hosting several events on the weekend of July 18-19. War of 1812-era demonstrations will take place at Fort Mackinac throughout the weekend, and living historians from around the Great Lakes will recreate the transfer of Fort Mackinac from British to American control at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 18, exactly 200 years after the original ceremony. This event is included with admission to Fort Mackinac. This historic day will conclude with the dedication of the Mackinac Island Peace Garden at 7:00 PM.
Located just below Fort Mackinac in Marquette Park, this new peace garden is one of many such installations along the U.S.-Canadian border, marking the lasting peace between the two nations which began as the War of 1812 ended. The centerpiece of the Mackinac Island Peace Garden is a bronze statue by sculptor Gareth Curtiss, depicting the Americans, Britons, and Native Americans who fought for and called Mackinac Island home. The dedication of the statue and garden is free and open to the public.
