Louis George Labatte: Capture of Fort Mackinac
- Ontario Métis Facts
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
During the War of 1812, many Indigenous peoples and nations in the Upper Great Lakes formed alliances with and fought alongside the British to defend against American expansion into their homelands. This history of military service is reflected in the creation of the Mackinaw jacket by Métis women and in stories passed down about a legendary capture of two American schooners.
Louis George Labatte, a Métis born and raised in the world of the Upper Great Lakes fur trade, is recorded as having participated in one of the early British victories alongside Métis and First Nations allies–the capture of Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812.
Fort Mackinac was an American outpost on Mackinac Island, strategically located in the strait between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, a crucial waterway for the fur trade.
Louis George–the patriarch of what would become a prominent Upper Great Lakes Métis family–lived a remarkable and dynamic life. He worked in a variety of occupations across the Upper Great Lakes, beginning his career with the North West Company before joining the British forces during the War of 1812.
Although little is known about Louis George's specific role in the capture of Fort Mackinac, the impact of his life and character is clear. When his sons later shared their life stories with A.C. Osborne, both devoted portions of their accounts to their father's military service, reflecting the lasting pride and respect they held for his contributions and the influence he had on their family for generations:
"My father was Louis George Labatte, a blacksmith by trade, who was born in Lower Canada. He was a soldier in the British Army, and was at the capture of Mackinaw in 1812. He went up from Montreal with the NorthWest Company, and moved from Mackinaw with the British soldiers to Drummond Island." – Antoine Labatte
“My father was Louis George Labatte. ... He was a soldier in the British Army, and was at the capture of Mackinaw in 1812. He went up from Montreal with the North-West Company, and moved from Mackinaw with the British soldiers to Drummond Island.” – Michael Labatte
