British soldiers dug this well in 1781 during the American Revolution while building the fort. This back-breaking job required soldiers to chisel through more than 150 feet of limestone rock to reach water. This extraordinary effort gave the . . . — — Map (db m279341) HM
On Market Street at Fort Street, on the right when traveling west on Market Street.
On June 6, 1822, Alexis St. Martin (1804-1880), a French Canadian voyageur, was accidentally shot in the American Fur Company Store located on this site. Dr. William Beaumont (1786-1853), the Fort Mackinac post surgeon, nursed St. Martin back . . . — — Map (db m34923) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (Michigan Route 185 at milepost 7), on the left when traveling east.
Mackinac Island, from time immemorial to the present day, holds a significant place in the traditions, culture, and history of the Anishnaabek. A home for spirits and a vibrant trading post, Mackinac Island served the Anishnaabek in many ways. . . . — — Map (db m278126) HM
Arch Rock is the most dazzling example of Mackinac Island's breccia formations. It once stood as a solid mass 100 feet above the lake level. About 4,000 years ago the lake waters slowly dissolved the softer material that extended into the center of . . . — — Map (db m153180) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (Michigan Route 185), on the right.
Arch Rock is Mackinac Island's most dazzling natural wonder. The graceful span measures 50 feet at its widest point, towering nearly 150 feet above Lake Huron. The island's fantastic geological formations have been studied and admired for centuries. . . . — — Map (db m278304) HM
On Market Street 0.1 miles south of Astor Street, on the right when traveling south.
Biddle House. The Biddle House is one of the oldest structures on Mackinac Island, dating to the 1780s. It is an example of piece sur piece en coulisse construction, a frame structure with a log infill fitted into slots. This French . . . — — Map (db m204427) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 185), on the right when traveling north.
Side 1
Jean and Jeanne Bonga, a Black couple, began Mackinac Island's long tradition of hospitality by opening a tavern and inn on or near this site sometime in the late 1780s. The earliest documented history of the Bongas on . . . — — Map (db m278050) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185) at British Landing Road, on the left when traveling north on Lake Shore Drive.
Here, during the night of July 16-17, 1812, a small force of British regulars and several hundred voyageurs and Indian allies from St. Joseph Island landed. They occupied a height that overlooks Fort Mackinac and demanded its surrender. Lt. . . . — — Map (db m96411) HM
“Cass Cliff”
Named by the
Michigan Historical Commission
And
Mackinac Island State Park Commission
In honor of
Lewis Cass
Teacher – Lawyer – Explorer
Soldier – Diplomat . . . — — Map (db m107117) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185 at milepost 1), on the left when traveling north.
Side 1
Mackinac Island holds significant meaning for the Anishnaabek (the Odawa/Ottawa, Ojibway/Chippewa, and Potawatomi). Home to spirits, ancestors, and the location of historic events, it is also the center of many . . . — — Map (db m278077) HM
Near Main Street (State Highway 185) south of French Lane, on the left when traveling south.
This is the finish line of the world's longest annual fresh water sailboat race. The 333 mile Chicago to Mackinac Island race has been held in July since 1898.
Erected by Island Goats Sailing Society whose members are required to have sailed . . . — — Map (db m278311) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling east.
Company K
1st Michigan Sharpshooters
2LT Garrett A. Graveraet **
1SG Henry J. Graveraet, Jr. *
PVT Benjamin Kewaconda
PVT Louis Bennett
Company G
5th Michigan Infantry
SGT John Becker
PVT Robert Davenport
CPL George . . . — — Map (db m301704) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185) north of British Landing Road, on the left when traveling south.
Mackinac Island is no stranger to hostility, and many have fought for its highly strategic location in the Great Lakes. Some of these battles occurred before Europeans arrived in North America, while others were an integral part of American . . . — — Map (db m278115) HM
After the Americans took control of Fort Mackinac, they strengthened the stone ravelin, which became the main northern wall. Between 1798 and 1800, soldiers also constructed blockhouses to better defend the post. Built on the old British bastions, . . . — — Map (db m279854) HM
Defensive elements have always been important to the military strength of Fort Mackinac. When the British built the fort between 1779 and 1781, Lieutenant Governor Patrick Sinclair designed the post with walls built from earth, stone, and wooden . . . — — Map (db m279852) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185) 0.8 miles north of Mahoney Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Devil's Kitchen, a group of small sea caves or niches, is one of the youngest rock formations on Mackinac Island. This large mass of brecciated (fractured and recemented) limestone was formed about 350 million years ago. Wave action of the last few . . . — — Map (db m153170) HM
Near this spot Dr. William Beaumont United States Army made those experiments upon Alexis St. Martin which brought fame to himself and honor to American medicine — — Map (db m285340)
On Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south.
"...to preserve the work of nature, to make the spring accessible, to prove a shelter in time of storm, to be a resting place for the weary, long to be remembered after leaving the beautiful Island shore."
Superintendent Benjamin Franklin . . . — — Map (db m204209) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m279352) HM
Fort Mackinac soldiers planted a garden in this large open space in front of the fort. Vegetables such as cabbage, leeks, carrots, radishes, onion, and squash supplemented their daily diet of meat and bread. Fences around the garden protected . . . — — Map (db m224397) HM
Near Fort Holmes Road 0.5 miles south of Garrison Road.
Here in 1812, on the island's highest point, a blockhouse and stockade were built by the British and named Fort George. It was the bulwark of British defenses in 1814 when the American attack was repulsed. After the war the Americans renamed the . . . — — Map (db m55408) HM
Near Fort Holmes Road 0.5 miles south of Garrison Road.
Highest point on the island, 325 feet above the straits and 168 feet above Fort Mackinac.
Built by the British soon after the capture of Fort Mackinac, July 17, 1812. British named it Fort George, after the reigning English King, George . . . — — Map (db m204418) HM
On Fort Street at Market Street, on the right when traveling north on Fort Street.
British commander Patrick Sinclair moved Fort Michilimackinac from the mainland (modern-day Mackinaw City) to this spot in 1780 during the American Revolution. Sinclair chose Mackinac Island because this high limestone bluff would protect his . . . — — Map (db m278324) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185), on the right when traveling north.
This massive boulder has long been known as Gitchie Manitou in connection with Native American legends. One version states the Great Spirit (Gitchie Manitou) used this spot as a landing place before ascending the cliff and passing through the . . . — — Map (db m278196) HM
On West Bluff Road at Cadotte Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Bluff Road.
Opened on July 10, 1887, the Grand Hotel was built by the Grand Rapids & Indiana and the Michigan Central railroads and the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company through the efforts of Sen. Francis B. Stockbridge. It is built of Michigan white . . . — — Map (db m107066) HM
Alfonzo F. Howe Architect
Charles W. Caskey Contractor
Classical design that will live forever
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior — — Map (db m224392) HM
Near Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
In this vicinity on June 15, 1985, Governor James J. Blanchard of Michigan, then in his
second year as a golf enthusiast, scored a Hole-in-One on the former 165 yard Third Hole. Mrs. Blanchard along with Mr. and Mrs. James Halverson attested. At . . . — — Map (db m301440) HM
From 1923 to 1970, William C. Greany, “the Major,” was scoutmaster of the Detroit Area Council Troop 194.
In 1983 he was appointed Special Eagle Scout Administrator of Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp and for thirty years played a . . . — — Map (db m107133) HM
Mackinac Island has been called the most historic spot in the Middle West. Fort Mackinac was first built by the British in 1780-81. It was not until 1796, thirteen years after the end of the Revolutionary War, that the British relinquished this fort . . . — — Map (db m34972) HM
On Garrison Road north of Rifle Range Road, on the right when traveling north.
Mackinac Island has long been a burial location for the Anishnaabek (Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi). Some of the burials on the island are more than one thousand years old. It is a common practice for the Anishnaabek to bury their dead near water . . . — — Map (db m204415)
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185) north of British Landing Road, on the left when traveling north.
Every winter ice provides a vital link to the mainland. Two hundred years ago British soldiers used teams of oxen to haul men and materials across the ice when they moved Fort Michilimackinac from the mainland to the island. In the later 1800s the . . . — — Map (db m131769) HM
On Main Street (Michigan Route 185) west of Bogan Lane, on the right when traveling west.
THE INDIAN AGENCY
The Indian Agency was a mainstay on
Mackinac Island during the first half of
the nineteenth century. At the agency
house, originally located next to this
site, a federal agent conducted business
with regional tribal . . . — — Map (db m301191) HM
On Fort Street just north of Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m301205) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 185) west of Bogan Lane, on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Indian Dormitory. The Treaty of 1836 transferred 15 million acres of Ojibway (Chippewa) and Odawa (Ottawa) land in Michigan Territory to the federal government. It also required improvements to the Mackinac Island Indian Agency, including "a . . . — — Map (db m204277) HM
On Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south.
At this site on June 27, 1912 Richard Collier found Elise McKenna
Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve in
Somewhere In Time
A Universal Picture
Dedicated on October 30, 1993 — — Map (db m204128) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (Main Street) (State Highway 185) east of Fort Street, on the left when traveling east.
Constructed for Charles O’Malley about 1852, this building was one of the first summer hotels on Mackinac Island. Captain Henry Van Allen, a Great Lakes skipper, purchased the hotel in 1865. He later moved it from the beach to its present location. . . . — — Map (db m107061) HM
On Lake Shore Drive east of Fort Street, on the right when traveling east.
Mackinac Island's replica Statue of Liberty is one of 200 donated by the Boy Scouts of America between 1949-1952. The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1950 with the theme, "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty", a vigorous two-year crusade . . . — — Map (db m278316) HM
On Main Street at French Lane, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
Originally known as the Lake View House, this is one of the oldest continuously operated hotels on Mackinac Island. Reuben Chapman built the structure in 1858. After his death in 1860, the hotel was operated by his wife, Maria. In 1880 the . . . — — Map (db m224387) HM
Lawrence A. Young Cottage Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence 1902 has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m131760) HM
Near Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Jerry Matthews' masterful handprints are found throughout Michigan following an unprecedented career that saw him design more golf courses in the State of Michigan than any other golf course architect. For his contributions to golf design, Jerry was . . . — — Map (db m301444) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185) north of British Landing Road, on the left when traveling north.
Mackinac Island's dramatic and beautiful rock formations and shoreline are its most striking geological features. These natural wonders, made of brecciated (broken and recemented) limestone, originated more than 350 million years ago when the . . . — — Map (db m153181) HM
The Union Congregational Church, affectionately called Little Stone Church, was established in 1900 by eleven charter members. Local residents and summer visitors donated funds for its construction. The cornerstone was laid on August 2, 1904. . . . — — Map (db m286662) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185) north of British Landing Road, on the left when traveling north.
Since the late nineteenth century people had dreamed of building a bridge to connect Michigan's two peninsulas. Those dreams became a reality in the 1950s when the booming postwar tourism economy and modern highway system made possible the Mackinac . . . — — Map (db m131770) HM
On West Bluff Road at Cadotte Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West Bluff Road.
On September 6, 1943, Michigan’s Republican United States Senator, Arthur H. Vandenberg, chaired the meeting of the Post War Advisory Council. Republican National Committee Chairman, Harrison Spangler, created the council to draw up a foreign . . . — — Map (db m107071) HM
On Market Street at Astor Street, on the right when traveling south on Market Street.
In 1670 a Jesuit priest, Fr. Claude Dablon, wintered here. The British in 1781 made it a center of their military and fur-trade activity. The island was occupied by the Americans in 1796. Held by the British during the War of 1812, it became the hub . . . — — Map (db m278056) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling east.
Erected as a lasting tribute to the men and women from Mackinac Island who have served their country.
World War I
Thomas Andress •
Robin Arbib •
Robert Bailey •
Alexander Bazinaw •
Thomas Bazinaw •
Albert Beloungea •
Charles . . . — — Map (db m301285) WM
On Market Street north of Astor Street, on the right when traveling north.
During the peak of the fur trade this street bustled with activity. Each July and August Indians, traders, and trappers by the thousands came here with furs from throughout the Northwest. In 1817 John Jacob Astor's American Fur Co. located its . . . — — Map (db m278054) HM
Father Jacques Marquette with Louis Joliet discoverer of the Mississippi River
Founder of the Saint Ignace and Kaskaskia Missions
An explorer ardent and resourceful A shepherd who gave his life for the sheep.
To Nicolet-Raymbault and . . . — — Map (db m224395) HM
On Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185 at milepost 0) at Mission Street, on the left when traveling east on Lake Shore Drive.
This is one of Michigan's oldest Protestant churches. It was built in 1829-30 by the Presbyterian flock of Rev. Wm. M. Ferry, founder in 1823 of a nearby Indian mission. Robert Stuart and Henry Schoolcraft were lay leaders. About 1838 private . . . — — Map (db m34913) HM
Nicolet Watch Tower
In Honor of
John Nicolet
Who in 1634 passed through the Straits of Mackinac in a birch-bark canoe and
was the first white man to enter Michigan and the Old Northwest
Erected on behalf of the
State of . . . — — Map (db m107104) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling west.
Fur warehouse and residence of Robert Stuart,
resident agent of the American Fur Company.
Original construction, c. 1814
Restored and renovated as the
Community Hall & Stuart House Museum
by the City of Mackinac Island 1997
Margaret . . . — — Map (db m301216) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185), on the left when traveling west.
Side 1
Other tribes revere special places such as the Black Hills, Devil's Tower, Lake Tahoe, and the Grand Canyon. The Anishnaabek view the Great Lakes with similar reverence, and these freshwater seas remain at the center of . . . — — Map (db m278112) HM
On Market Street south of Astor Street, on the right when traveling south.
Augustus Pond, a fisherman from nearby Seul Choix, was convicted in this building in 1859 of manslaughter. In 1860 the Michigan Supreme Court reversed Pond's conviction, clarifying a legal principle of self-defense that is followed to this day. . . . — — Map (db m278184) HM
On Garrison Road, on the left when traveling north.
The Post Cemetery is the final resting place for Fort Mackinac soldiers, their families and local officials.
Although the origin of the cemetery is lost in history, local lore from the nineteenth century suggests that both American and British . . . — — Map (db m107102) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling north.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to P.F.C. St. Onge for service as set forth in the following:
Citation:
"For conspicuous Gallantry and Integrity while serving with Co. G., 2nd Bn. 22nd . . . — — Map (db m278409) HM WM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185), on the left when traveling north.
Side 1
The connection to water transcends worlds for the Anishnaabek. Thousands of ancestors are buried near the water. In many cases, the dead were laid to rest on the islands of Gitchi-Gumee (the Great Lakes). The Straits of . . . — — Map (db m278111) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 185) south of French Lane, on the left when traveling west.
The Round Island Lighthouse, seen south of this site, was completed in 1895. Operating under the auspices of the United States Government, this facility was in continuous use for fifty-two years. It was manned by a crew of three until its beacon . . . — — Map (db m35151) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 185) at Church Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
In 1670, Jesuit Father Charles Dablon founded a birchbark mission chapel on Mackinac Island. The following year, Father Jacques Marquette relocated the mission at Saint Ignace. Abandoned in 1706 and restablished [sic] at Fort . . . — — Map (db m96412) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 185) at Church Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Established as a Mission in 1670
Presented by the Michigan State Society Colonial Dames XVII Century to Ste. Anne de Michilimackinac Catholic Church in acknowledgement of their efforts in maintaining American and Colonial Data since 1695.
. . . — — Map (db m278191) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185), on the right when traveling north.
Arch Rock rests on a limestone breccia promontory nearly 150 feet above Lake Huron. Tunnel-like Sanilac Arch pierces the southern abutment near its base. Both arches were formed about 4,000 years ago by wave action of ancient Lake Nipissing. Once . . . — — Map (db m278197) HM
On Main Street east of Fort Street, on the right when traveling east.
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 . . . — — Map (db m278321) HM
On Huron Road 0.2 miles east of Fort Street, on the left when traveling east.
Scout Barracks. In 1929, Park Commissioner Roger Andrews invited eight Eagle Scouts, including future President Gerald Ford, to serve as the “Governor’s Honor Guard” and tour guides at Fort Mackinac. Scouts raised and lowered the colors daily . . . — — Map (db m107087) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling north.
On 13 June 1944, Company "K", 38th Infantry, moving south in the vicinity of le Boise d'Elle, France, was stopped by heavy mortar and artillery fire, which was followed by a subsequent counter attack around their left flank, Sergeant Cadreau . . . — — Map (db m278404) HM WM
On Garrison Road at Rifle Range Road, on the right when traveling north on Garrison Road.
Skull Cave is one of Mackinac Island's oldest geological formations. It is located in the base of a 30 foot high limestone stack. 11,000 years ago this stack of hard limestone was exposed, as wave erosion of the ancient lakes cut away the softer . . . — — Map (db m153176) HM
On Garrison Road at Rifle Range Road, on the right when traveling north on Garrison Road. Reported permanently removed.
According to tradition this is the cave in which the English fur-trader Alexander Henry hid out during the Indian uprising of 1763. The floor of the cave, he claimed, was covered with human bones, presumably Indian. — — Map (db m204412) HM
Near Huron Road 0.2 miles west of Truscott Street.
During the summer of 1979 the movie Somewhere in Time was made on Mackinac Island. Starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer, the romantic fantasy tells the story of a man who wills himself back to 1912 to meet a woman . . . — — Map (db m131768) HM
Near Sugar Loaf Road 0.8 miles west of Lake Shore Drive (State Highway 185).
Sugar Loaf stands seventy-five feet above the surrounding level and is the largest of Mackinac Island's many limestone stacks. It was originally connected to the high cliffs directly behind you. More than 11,000 years ago, the erosive power of . . . — — Map (db m153171) HM
On Lake Shore Boulevard, on the left when traveling south.
Side 1
For centuries, the Odawa and Ojibway fought to control their way of life and lands. After the War of 1812, the Anishnaabek faced new threats from the expanding United States. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the . . . — — Map (db m278120) HM
On Fort Street at Spring Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street.
Episcopal services on Mackinac Island date from 1837, when a Bishop preached in the Mission Church. For many years the congregation met in the post Chapel at Fort Mackinac and in the Court House. In 1873 a parish was organized, and in 1882 this . . . — — Map (db m204278) HM
On Market Street, on the right when traveling east.
Company of Artillerists
United States Army Soldiers
that were garrisoned at
Fort Mackinac during the capture
on July 17, 1812
Commanding Officer
1ST LT Porter Hanks
Executive Officer
2ND LT Archibald Darragh
Sergeants . . . — — Map (db m301705) HM
On Cadotte Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
In 1979, Woodfill Park was so named and
designated in perpetuity commemorating
William Stewart Woodfill. Longer than any
other, he has been owner and preserver
of the Grand Hotel. He was the prime
mover in getting the Mackinac
Bridge built. As . . . — — Map (db m301467) HM
