Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat
| | Mackinaw City Historical Pathway | |
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
1. Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat Marker
The Mackinaw Boat was designed for northern Great Lakes conditions
The Mackinaw boat was the work boat of fur traders, fishermen, settlers and lake travelers for hundreds of years, from the early 1700s to the early 1900s.
The hull was wide at the waterline but narrow at the bottom making a fast stable boat. Pointed at both the bow and stern with a removable center board, the boat could be landed and launched easily from the beach. The small size (18' to 28') and light sailing rig could be handled by two men.
The Mackinaw Coat was created by John Askin and his wife to fill a British military contract
John Askin, a trader in the Upper Great Lakes, was commissioned to design and produce 40 greatcoats for the British Army. Designed by his wife, Marie-Archange, using 3-point trade blankets, they were constructed by local white and mιtis women in November of 1811.
The Mackinaw coat concept was widely used by trappers, traders, and Indians. Called a "capot" by the French, it was red and bore distinctive black stripes found on the blankets themselves.
Erected 2021. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1811.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Timeline (a few steps from this marker); Lake Level Research (a few steps from this marker); John L. (Jack) Staffan Chief Wawatam (a few steps from this marker); Mackinaws Early Growth (a few steps from this marker); Mackinac and the Water Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Geology of the Straits (within shouting distance of this marker); Where are the Clouds? The Snow? (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bridge for Mackinac (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinaw City.
Other markers no longer nearby. Lake Level Research on the Great Lakes (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Island-Hopping the Straits (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Our Weather (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
2. Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat Marker
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
3. Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat Marker
View looking to the northeast. This marker is at the extreme left of the photo (to the left of the rock, above the trash can).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
