Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Bridge for Mackinac
Mackinaw City Historical Pathway
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
1. A Bridge for Mackinac Marker
Michigan discussed a land-based connection between the Lower and Upper Peninsula as early as the 1880s
The steamer Algomah had failed as a winter ferry, reported the The Lansing Republican Tri-Weekly on February 5, 1884. The newspaper asked, "Now, shall it be a bridge or a tunnel?"
In 1920, an island- hopping series of bridges and causeways was proposed to reach from Cheboygan to St. Ignace.
Engineers determined that a bridge was feasible
In 1937, engineering professor James H. Cissel prepared plans showing a direct bridge crossing to be feasible. This inspired the Bridge Authority to contract for a feasibility study which, in 1940, recommended a direct suspension bridge.
Engineering plans and funding for the suspension bridge were secured at the end of 1953. The bridge was completed in 1957, just in time to accommodate the annual rush of deer hunters. Car ferries in the Straits soon became a thing of the past.
Erected 2021.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 45° 47.027′ N, 84° 43.386′ W. Marker is in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Our weather (here, next to this marker); John L. (Jack) Staffan • Chief Wawatam (a few steps from this marker); Island-Hopping the Straits (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake Level Research on the Great Lakes (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 marker also named Chief Wawatam (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Timeline (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinaw City.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
2. A Bridge for Mackinac Marker
This marker is the one against the fence in the back.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
3. A Bridge for Mackinac
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
