Near St. Ignace in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mackinac Straits

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 12, 2009

1. Mackinac Straits Marker

Inscription. Nicolet passed through the Straits in 1634 seeking a route to the Orient. Soon it became a crossroads where Indian, missionary, trapper, and soldier met. From the 1600's through the War of 1812 first Frenchman and Englishman, then Briton and American fought to control this strategic waterway. In 1679 the Griffin was the first sailing vessel to ply these waters. The railroad reached the Straits in 1882. Until the Mackinac Bridge was opened in 1957, ferries linked the north and south.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 82.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1634.

Location. 45° 50.983′ N, 84° 43.333′ W. Marker is near St. Ignace, Michigan, in Mackinac County. Marker is on Interstate 75 at milepost 343,, ¾ mile south of U.S. 2, on the right when traveling north. The marker is approx. ¼ mile north of the Mackinac Bridge in the parking lot of the Michigan Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Ignace MI 49781, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. David B. Steinman (approx. 0.3 miles away); South Tower Fog Bell

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Mackinac Bridge Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Prentiss M. Brown, Michigan Lawyer, Mackinac Visionary (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mackinac Bridge, Michigan (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. one mile away); Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Michigan's Underwater Preserves (approx. one mile away); France at Mackinac (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Ignace.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

2. Mackinac Straits Marker

Several trucks line up in front of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 560 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on January 4, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.