Two hundred years ago, in August 1814, a month-long American military expedition to recapture Fort Mackinac culminated in the Battle of Mackinac Island. On August 1-4, Mackinac State Historic Parks is proud to present a weekend full of events commemorating the battle and the British, American, Canadian, and Native American participants who struggled for control of Mackinac Island.

From Friday, August 1, through Monday, August 4, a series of special events will mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Mackinac Island. Some of the exciting special events happening this weekend include:

• Three full days of 1812 demonstrations and tours, presented at Fort Mackinac by historic interpreters and an international group of living historians and re-enactors
  
• Bike tours of War of 1812 sites on Mackinac Island, tickets must be purchased in advance.
  
• A scheduled appearance and dockside tours aboard the reconstructed brig Niagara, which is visiting Mackinac Island 200 years after its namesake took part in the American expedition of 1814
  
• A concert of historic military music at Fort Mackinac, 3:00 p.m. on August 3
  
• A commemorative reenactment of the Battle of Mackinac Island, which will take place on the original battlefield (now the Wawashkamo Golf Course) at 3:00 p.m. on August 4

ALL SUMMER: Special 1812 demonstrations and tours take place every day at Fort Mackinac. New exhibits in the East Blockhouse present the compelling story of the American attempts to recapture the fort in 1814. For more information, visit www.mackinacparks.com

The governor-appointed Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is charged with encouraging, planning, and developing activities, events, programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan's role in the War of 1812. More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/war1812.