When the British withdrew from Michilimackinac in 1796, they moved to this island and built their most westerly military post. The troops were accompanied by officers of the Indian Department, who held councils there and distributed presents to Britain's Indian allies. As traders sought the protection of the fort, a small village grew up around it. From here Captain Charles Roberts organized the expedition that captured Michilimackinac on 17 July 1812. Fort St. Joseph was later abandoned, and in July 1814 it was burned by the Americans.