General History / Europeans 4 of 5

War of Independence

War of 1812 US forces invade Canada through Detroit and Montreal.

In 1776, the pilgrims who had established settlements along the Atlantic coast line would declared their independence from England. The [American Revolution] was underway and would last until 1783 when the British finally gave in to the English colonies demands for freedom. In 1796, the British would relinquish Michigan as well to the United States.

However, hostilities would return, and war would break out again with the [War of 1812]. The United States was under attack on several fronts, including Michigan. The British forces succeeded in capturing the key forts of Fort Michilimackinac and Fort Detroit. The war raged on until December 24, 1814, when the [Treaty of Ghent] was signed in Ghent, Belgium, thereby ending formal hostilities. [View: War Maps of 1812]

In 1822, the United States sent troops to the valley due to constant Indian problems in the area. A fort was built on the land now occupied by the city of Saginaw today. A perspective of this time comes from a statement made by a pioneer from Flint:

1828 - E.S. Williams:
"The Indians in this section were considered the worst and most dangerous in all the country, but about the best hunters and trappers of valuable furs and it was a very important post to be maintained."