Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Indian Dormitory

Photographed by Kevin W., May 30, 2026

1. The Indian Dormitory Marker

Inscription. In 1836 the Anishnaabek of northern Michigan signed the Treaty of Washington, ceding much of their land to the United States. In return they were promised supplies, services, and regular annuity payments. The Indian Dormitory was built in 1838 as temporary lodging for Anishnaabek individuals visiting Mackinac Island to receive their annuity payments or conduct business with the Indian agent. Many visiting Anishnaabek chose not to stay in the building, which functioned mostly as an administrative office. Never very successful, the Indian Dormitory closed in 1848.

In 1867 the village of Mackinac Island leased the old Indian Dormitory to use as a schoolhouse. The building was enlarged to accommodate both elementary and high school children. Mackinac Island students continued to attend classes here until 1961 when the new school was built on the west end of the village in front of Grand Hotel. Today the Indian Dormitory building houses the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Erected by Mackinac Associates.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 45° 51.032′ N, 84° 37.029′

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W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is on Fort Street just north of Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7200 Main St, Mackinac Island MI 49757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Fort Mackinac (within shouting distance of this marker); American Fur Company Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Marquette (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Private First Class Milton T. St. Onge (about 300 feet away); Mackinac Island War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Civil War Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Trinity Church (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.

Photographed by Kevin W., May 30, 2026

2. The Indian Dormitory Marker

The tall white building in the background is the subject of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.