Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Flags at Fort Mackinac
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 11, 2025
1. Flags at Fort Mackinac Marker
Flags have flown over Fort Mackinac since British soldiers constructed the post in 1780 during the American Revolution. A symbol of authority and national pride, the fort flag was faithfully raised by soldiers at the beginning of every day. In good weather, they hoisted the sprawling garrison flag which could be seen from the middle of the Straits of Mackinac. In inclement weather, they flew the much smaller storm flag.
United States soldiers first lifted the Stars and Stripes over Fort Mackinac in 1796 when they took control of the post. When Private John McCraith built a new flag staff on this site in 1835 he buried a note in a bottle which was found by soldiers reinforcing the pole 34 years later. A second note was added and the bottle returned below ground. Efforts to find this fascinating time capsule have been unsuccessful and the bottle remains buried but not forgotten.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 45° 51.126′ N, 84° 37.078′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It can be reached from Huron Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker
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: Dr. William Beaumont (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1780 British Water Well (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Defenses of Fort Mackinac: The British Fort, 1779-1796 (about 300 feet away); The Defenses of Fort Mackinac: The American Fort, 1796 - 1895 (about 300 feet away); The Fort Garden (about 300 feet away); Trinity Church (about 400 feet away); Historic Fort Mackinac (about 400 feet away); Fort Mackinac (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.
More about this marker. An illustration on the left side of the marker includes a caption of Private William Brenschutz created this detailed view of Fort Mackinac in 1845, when he was stationed at the post. Note the large flagpole, built in 1835.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 11, 2025
2. Flags at Fort Mackinac Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 11, 2025
3. Marker inside Fort Mackinac
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 11, 2025
4. Flag at Fort Mackinac
Flag as seen from outside of Fort Mackinac.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 11, 2025
5. Fort Mackinac Flag
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 21, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
