There is a small museum attached to the visitor's center with many of the artifacts found in the area on display. The declaration of War in 1812 threatened the small garrison at Fort St. Joseph. As the most westerly British post, the Fort was in danger of being cut off from its vital supply base in Quebec. In July 1812, Captain Charles Roberts led a party of soldiers, Native allies and fur traders in a successful attack against the American fort on Mackinac Island.* This victory unleashed a series of devastating raids against American frontier posts. In 1814 an American expedition failed to recapture Mackinac although they did succeed in burning Fort St. Joseph. With the return of peace in 1815, the British withdrew from Mackinac and established a new post on nearby Drummond Island.

During its existence, the Fort became the focal point for Indians and trappers. A small but vibrant community built up around the Fort. Situated an a hill overlooking St. Mary's river, the view was always spectacular. We wandered down to the water's edge where the dive team working with Willis had assembled most of the gear used in the dive process. Filippo Ronca, their newest team member was demonstrating masks and tanks,flippers and wetsuits, which he had laid out on a folding table for us to see. Just off to the side was a picture out of the past. Several girls in 1800s costume and bare feet were busy cooking bannock, a bread product. Amy Gardner who had been with the center for two years offered us a bite. Cooked on a flat skillet until crusty black from an overly hot fire, I could tell that at times living in a frontier fort could challenge the taste buds. This is a good place for a quiet day. Bring a picnic basket and sit up on the hill or wander along one of the many trails that weave in and around the area.

*You may find that some Canadian literature interchanges the name Mackinac with Michilimackinac. This is the result of Canada's use of British historical records which refer to the Island under such terms.

To find out more about Fort St. Joseph, check out www.parkscanada.gc.ca/joseph

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