Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Island-Hopping the Straits
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
1. Island-Hopping the Straits Marker
In 1920 the need for extensive highways in Michigan was becoming evident and Horatio S. Earle, highway commissioner, suggested a submerged, floating tunnel. A counter-proposal was made by C. E. Fowler, a consulting engineer from New York City.
The Fowler proposal suggested a series of causeways and bridges starting near Cheboygen and proceeding via Bois Blanc Island, Round Island and Mackinac Island to St. Ignace. In 1934 the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority engaged Fowler to further detail this route. The cost was estimated at $35 million. Funding was requested from the federal government but was denied.
Fortunately for Mackinac Island, this route was never realized, and its auto-free lifestyle continues unchanged.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Landmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 45° 47.026′ N, 84° 43.388′ W. Marker was in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. It could be reached from North Huron Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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Regionally, this marker was in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It was also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it was in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A Bridge for Mackinac (here, next to this marker); Where are the Clouds? The Snow? (here, next to this marker); Geology of the Straits (here, next to this marker); John L. (Jack) Staffan Chief Wawatam (a few steps from this marker); Lake Level Research (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Wawatam (within shouting distance of this marker); a different
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
2. Mackinac and Round Islands
Passenger ferries on the Straits of Mackinac, between Mackinac Island (on the left side of photo) and Mackinaw City (photographers location).
Other markers no longer nearby. Our Weather (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Lake Level Research on the Great Lakes (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Island-Hopping the Straits. Mackinaw City is the only entity spelled with aw. Mackinac Island, Mackinac County, the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge are all spelled with the French ac, but are pronounced aw.
Also see . . .
1. Straits of Mackinac. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 7, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. History of the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinac Bridge Authority website entry (Submitted on December 7, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. Straits of Mackinac Mackinac Bridge
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
3. St. Ignace Shoreline
Mackinac Island is in the background.
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
4. Ferry Arriving
Hydro-jet passenger ferry arriving at St. Ignace, having departed from Mackinac Island in the distance.
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
5. Mackinac Island
View of Mackinac Island and Lake Huron shoreline from Castle Rock. Rising almost 200 feet above lake level, this was a lookout of the Ojibway Indians and was often referred to as Pontiac's lookout.
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
6. Ferry Boarding at Mackinaw City
Photographed by Keith L, August 9, 2006
7. Mackinac Bridge Crossing the Straights of Mackinac
This bridge that avoided Mackinac Island carries Interstate 75 connecting the southern and northern peninsulas that form the State of Michigan. The Straights of Mackinac connect Lake Michigan to the west from Lake Huron to the east.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,542 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on August 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on June 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 5, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on June 28, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
