"Mayhem at Michilimackinac" explores history's darker side

June 28, 2011

Special Friday evening tours of Colonial Michilimackinac will be held on three consecutive Fridays beginning June 24 exploring the turbulent side of history at this wilderness fur trading post. As the sun sets over the Straits of Mackinac, costumed guides will take guests on special tours highlighting true tales of wild brawls, attempted murder, rum smuggling, and a trumped up court martial.

Visitors will learn about frightening, violent, chaotic, and sometimes bloody historic occurrences at the outpost. "We'll focus on dramatic and chilling incidents at Michilimackinac, including the famous 1763 attack during Pontiac's Rebellion and the imprisonment of Commandant Robert Rogers after his arrest on charges of treason," says Kate Arbogast, the site's interpretation supervisor. Other topics will include the living conditions of the British soldier at this, one of the most distant outposts of the British Empire. Boredom often drove them to drink, fight and cause other trouble. Punishment for these transgressions was strict and brutal. Violence and brutality was not confined to enlisted men, as officers themselves were also involved in violent conflicts. These events are chronicled in several historical sources and visitors will have a chance to ponder them at the site where they actually took place.

The guided tours will be held periodically throughout the evening. After their tour, guests will be invited to gather around the hearthside at one of the trader's houses for light refreshments including a cup of "shrub" or "switchel" and enjoy more tales. These will focus on the supernatural stories that the French Canadian residents delighted in.

"These events are often only touched on in our daily programs," says Jim Evans, lead historical interpreter, "so we are excited to be given the chance to explore them in greater depth." Arbogast added, "While the focus is on the 'darker side' the dramatic and chaotic events will hopefully get some pulses racing and provide an entertaining evening."

The special programs are being held Friday evenings, July 1 and 8 from 8:00 until 10:00 (last admission is at 9:15). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 children (5-17). Children 4 and under are free as are Mackinac Associates above the Heritage Level. For more information, call 231-436-4100.