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

Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Michigan's Underwater Preserves

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 31, 2017

1. Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Michigan's Underwater Preserves Marker

Inscription. In Commemoration of the Thousands
of Great Lakes Shipwrecks
and Michigan’s Underwater Preserves.
Great Lakes shipping played a significant role in the settlement and growth of Michigan and surrounding territories as early as the 1700s. Brutally unpredictable weather and underwater dangers claimed many an ore, lumber and passenger ship. More than 6,000 ships rest in The Great Lakes… nearly 2,000 in Michigan's territorial waters. The state of Michigan has designated several concentrations of these shipwrecks as underwater state preserves to save this chapter of Michigan's rich heritage. Several of the more than 80 shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac Bottomland Preserve could be seen from this site if they were to be raised today. Members of the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association suggest you visit a library or bookstore to learn more about the fascinating history of Michigan's shipwrecks and underwater preserves.

A Michigan Heritage Memorial, dedicated June 1994 by The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association, on its 50th Anniversary.

Erected 1994 by Michigan Outdoor Writers Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 45°

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

51.808′ N, 84° 42.996′ W. Marker is in St. Ignace, Michigan, in Mackinac County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North State Street (Business Interstate 75) and Fitch Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the American Legion Park boardwalk, on the south side of the gazebo, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. 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 walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Antique Railroad Bell (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Chief Dock Kiosk (about 700 feet away); The Chief Dock (about 800 feet away); Mooring Facilities (approx. 0.2 miles away); France at Mackinac (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heritage of Fishermen in this Area (approx. ¼ mile away); State Ferries, 1923-1957 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Ignace.

Also see . . . Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. The Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve is a 148 square mile area extending from Wilderness State Park to the Cheboygan area, including most of the South Channel, and extending to the northern edge of Mackinac Island. The preserve contains 12 marked shipwrecks, with additional sites in the shallows near shore, and others in deeper waters nearby.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 31, 2017

2. Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Michigan's Underwater Preserves Marker

(looking east across the Straits of Mackinac)

Frequent fog, ice, and narrow shipping lanes were the cause of most area wrecks. (Submitted on August 17, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.