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. It is at the intersection of
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: 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 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.
Other markers no longer nearby. Island-Hopping the Straits (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Our Weather (was here, next to 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).
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
2. A Bridge for Mackinac Marker
This marker is the one against the chain-link fence in the back. The bridge is visible in the distance above the top line of the fence.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
3. A Bridge for Mackinac
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 5 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.
