The Citadel of the Lakes

by Myron David Orr

287 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader relives the turbulent and hazardous days when England and the United States contended for the prize of Mackinac Island and the control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Myron David Orr has taken as his central point, the fur trader, John Jacob Astor, who, because of his insatiable lust for money, betrays his conutry and eliminates all those traders who defy him in his conquest of the Northwest Territory fur trade. The sinister influence of Astor dominates and encompasses the lives of all the people of this pioneer outpost, causing disastrous results to the armed forces of the United States, as well as personal tragedies to the families themselves. Out of a lifetime spent on the scene, and 25 years of research gathering original letters and military reports, Mr. Orr has presented an authentic picture of intrigue, love, violence, and hate that reaches into the lives of the inhabitants.

Fifteen year-old Marie's father is killed because he will not be coerced into selling his furs to the American Fur Co. Authorities will take no action. She hates and later goes to work in a tavern in hopes of learning the killers' names. The ill equipped and manned island garrison surrenders to a British coup. Comes a young American spy to prepare for retaking the island and the stage is set for romance. I found this a very enjoyable read and plan to read more of Orr's works.

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of mystery, suspense, and romance! I loved the addition of historical characters and events. A joy to read and one I recommend to all.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 round up overall enjoyed the story, it was just not what I thought it was going to be. But I do love some good Michigan and Mackinaw history!

[Donnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having visited Mackinac Island three times, I was curious about the fort located there. My thought was that it was merely a remnant of an earlier time. Interesting to learn it was important in a war with Canada--not a country one thinks of as an enemy to America.

The book begins in 1810 when the powerful Astor Fur Company is killing local fur trappers on Mackinac Island in Michigan, who will not sell to the Company at the cheap prices the Company wishes to pay. (Powerful monopolist seeking to "kill" the competition--isn't this a story we are still living today?)

American officials are, apparently, hesitant to anger the deep-pocketed Astor (this story, too, is alive and well) so make no effort to track down and punish those doing the killing. Anger at the American government over its protection of Astor, becomes a significant factor aiding the British in its take over of the Fort during the War of 1812. (The Americans in the Fort are also not helped by having too few men and too little ammunition.) (From Wikipedia we learn that the surrendering officer is later to be court-martialed down-state for cowardice (he was saving his men from certain slighter!) but is killed when a British cannon ball rips through the room in which he is being held.)

By 1814, it looks like the Americans are going to get the Fort back. Or not. (But then Wikipedia tells us the Americans get the fort in 1815 when they win the War of 1812.)

THere is a climatic battle in some open land on the north of the island.

A good way to get the history of a little known fort in a little known, but worth knowing about, war.

Also we learn why Fort George was created, and named Fort George, and then why it was renamed Fort Holmes.

Playing against the above back drop is a young woman whose father was killed by Astor's hooligans when she was 15 and has since made it her life's goal to find someone who will help her find the killers. Meanwhile she becomes the local woman whom all the men adore and all the woman hate.

Enter Eric Young, man with a hidden past and on a dangerous mission, who captures the heroine's heart.