Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Iron Horse
Mackinaw City Historical Pathway
The long-anticipated railroads finally arrived in the Straits in 1881 and 1882. Their arrival, originally expected before the Civil War, was delayed by the War and then by shifting priorities. Once here, they brought many jobs, many visitors, and many opportunities.
Three railroads arrived at the Straits simultaneously:
The Michigan Central from Detroit along the eastern side of the state,
The Grand Rapids & Indiana along the western side from Fort Wayne,
The Mackinac & Marquette from Marquette to St. Ignace.
In 1924, at the height of the Iron Horse, there were nine passenger trains arriving and nine departing daily, as well as numerous freight trains.
The Michigan Central Railroad Tourist Guide of 1883 said:
"The Mackinaw Union Depot at Mackinaw City under the management of Albert Maxwell is one of the finest railroad hotels and eating houses in the United States. It is called, in honor of the late general passenger agent of the Michigan Central Railroad, the Wentworth House and is finished, furnished and conducted in as elegant style as the most fastidious and epicurean tourist could ask or wish. It contains ticket offices, waiting rooms, parlors, suites of apartments and a grand dining hall with every convenience and comfort that ingenuity and taste could suggest or money procure."
Because Mackinaw was the northern end of the line for the locomotives, they had to be turned around. This [lower right] is a photo of the roundhouse where the engines were placed on a very large lazy susan and swiveled. Today Burger King stands in this location. (Marker Number 11.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 45° 46.876′ N, 84° 43.501′ W. Marker is in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. Marker is on North Huron Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the north edge of Conkling Heritage Park's marina green at the southeast corner of the intersection of East Central Avenue, Langlade Street, North Huron Avenue, and South Huron Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mackinaw City MI 49701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chief Wawatam (here, next to this marker); Mackinaw City (a few steps from this marker); The Algomah (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw City Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw's Civil War Dahlgren Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Mackinaw, Mackinac or Michilimackinac? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dixie Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Dixie Highway (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinaw City.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 21, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.