St. Ignace in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Commercial Fishing
The history of the Straits has always been interwoven with the fishing resources of the Great Lakes. The abundant stocks of fish were a food staple for the native people and early European traders and settlers.
Commercial fishing expanded rapidly and gained economic importance after 1830 when sophisticated boats and equipment came into common use.
Life in St. Ignace was dominated by commercial fishing during the last half of the 1800's and early part of the 1900's. Fishing boats and gear lined the shore of this bay. Drying racks, like the one behind this display, were draped with fishing nets hung to dry and examined for damage and repaired.
The fishing industry still provides many jobs for residents of St. Ignace and the Straits. Modern management practices ensure continued "good fishing" for future generations of commercial as well as sport fishermen.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 45° 52.213′ N, 84° 43.788′ W. Marker is in St. Ignace, Michigan, in Mackinac County. Marker can be reached from North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of East Goudreau Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the Huron Boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 435 North State Street, Saint Ignace MI 49781, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Watery Graveyard (here, next to this marker); Old Mill Slip (a few steps from this marker); Two Cultures Meet (within shouting distance of this marker); Structures of Local Native Americans in the 1600's (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); What's in the Water? (about 500 feet away); Fort de Buade (about 500 feet away); Voyage of Exploration (about 600 feet away); St. Ignace Mission (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Ignace.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 191 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 14, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of drying racks. • Can you help?