Fort Michilmackinac was originally built by the French in 1714-1715 to control the fur trade and European development of the upper Great Lakes. More of a fortified site than a military outpost, the community was located both inside and outside the walls. The walls were expanded several times during the French and British occupation of the area.

There was an extensive and long term Odawa (Ottawa) community along the shore when Fort Michilmackinac was built.