Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Saving Lady Liberty
American Legion and DNR partner to restore historic statue
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
1. Saving Lady Liberty Marker
In 2012, after more than a half-century welcoming visitors to Mackinac Island, local residents called attention to the deteriorated state of Lady Liberty. The statue's crown spikes were broken and missing, its surface was dented and marred, and its base was crumbling. Mackinac Island American Legion Post 299 led the restoration effort, raising nearly $60,000 to bring Lady Liberty back to glory.
The statue offers to welcome visitors from around the country and the world to Mackinac Island, while reminding Americans of their hard-fought liberty.
Erected by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, American Legion, and Michigan State Waterways Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 2012.
Location. 45° 51.033′ N, 84° 36.934′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is on Main Street east of Fort Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is alongside of Mackinac Island State Harbor. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6927-6999 Lake Shore Drive, Mackinac Island MI 49757, United
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and on the Straits of Mackinac. 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 Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lady Liberty on the Island (here, next to this marker); The Indian Agency / Treaty of Washington of 1836 (within shouting distance of this marker); Marquette (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Island House (about 400 feet away); The Indian Dormitory (about 400 feet away); Fort Mackinac (about 500 feet away); American Fur Company Store (about 600 feet away); The 1780 British Water Well (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Indian Dormitory / Henry R. Schoolcraft (was within shouting distance of this marker but
2. Saving Lady Liberty Marker left images
American Legion Post 299 and Post Commander Paul Wandrie took up the challenge to restore the statue and began a fundraising campaign to raise nearly $60,000.
3. Saving Lady Liberty Marker top right image
Detroit art conservator Giorgio Gikas and his company, Venus Bronze Works Inc. were hired to restore the statue. Aaron Winberg Masonry from St. Ignace completed the base.
4. Saving Lady Liberty Marker bottom right image
Celebrating a restored Lady Liberty, a rededication was held on July 3, 2014 with several hundred in attendance at the ceremony. Pictured is the Mackinac Island American Legion Color Guard, Post Commander Paul Windrie (6th from the left), Mackinac Island Mayor, DNR Parks and Recreation, and the Mackinac Island Color Guard.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
5. Saving Lady Liberty Marker
This marker is the one on the right.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
6. Saving Lady Liberty Marker
An identical marker is in front of the statue.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
7. Saving Lady Liberty Marker plaque on front of the base
dedicate this replica of the Statue of Liberty as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty 40th Anniversary Crusade to Strengthen the Arm of Liberty
1950
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
8. Saving Lady Liberty Marker plaque on the back of the base
Chapman-St. Onge-Dankowski Post 299
The American Legion
Mackinac Island
Our thanks to the citizens of the United States of America for their generosity in funding this project.
Photographed by Kevin W., May 30, 2026
9. Saving Lady Liberty Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 9. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
