On U.S. 2, 0.2 miles east of Old Portage Road, on the left when traveling west.
Ancient Anishinabe Path
The route that U.S. 2 follows today has served as an important transportation corridor from the earliest inhabitants of the Michigan Peninsulas to the present.
When the Federal Highway System was established . . . — — Map (db m139359) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
The Anishinaabe village preserved their meat
and fish proteins by using drying racks
agwaawaanaak. Meats such as venison
waawaashkeshiwi-wiiyaas, beaver amiko-wiyaas
and bear mako-wiyaas were cut into thin strips
and . . . — — Map (db m214031) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
Fishing in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan for the
Fisherman gigoonyikewinini was vital to the
Anishinaabe survival. During warm seasons these
large lakes required nets namewasab made of
bark fiber cord and nettle-stalk twine which . . . — — Map (db m214030) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
The Three Sisters garden gitigaan was a
traditional way of planting three main agricultural
crops: corn mandaamin, beans mashkodesimin,
and squash okanakosimaan. Each crop
benefitted from one another. The corn seed . . . — — Map (db m214034) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
The traditional healers nenaandawi'iwed or
medicine men were highly respected individuals
among the village due to their medicinal and
spiritual knowledge passed down for thousands of
years. Illness was cured both of the body and
spirit. . . . — — Map (db m214032) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
An Anishinaabe woman anishinaabekwe plays
many important roles in the village. Other than
childbearing she builds, farms, crafts, hunts,
cooks and as this sculpture represents gathers
moozhaginan. She collects over 250 species . . . — — Map (db m214033) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at McCann Street, on the right when traveling north.
This antique railroad bell with its classic ring is frm a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that was popular in the late 1880's in the hard rock mining & logging industries.
Donated by Clarence "Clancy" Kalmer in honor of his parents Willis . . . — — Map (db m140059) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Central Hill, on the right when traveling north.
By the 1930's, most of the Eastern Upper Peninsula's virgin forest had fallen under the axe and saw of the early loggers. Fires further ravaged the cut-over areas, leaving a barren landscape. Timber production plummeted just as the whole country . . . — — Map (db m139675) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of East Goudreau Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m139547) HM
Designer of the Mackinac Bridge, firmly believed that man made structures should be beautiful. From this vantage point it is clear that he achieved his goal. It is to his memory that this plaque has been dedicated.
June 11, 1967 — — Map (db m105763) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling north.
Strewn across the bottomlands of East Moran Bay, particularly off this beach, are fascinating artifacts discarded from canoes, schooners, and steamboats for more than 300 years.
Commerial vessels—from Indian and French canoes to modern . . . — — Map (db m139693) HM
On Marquette Street at North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling west on Marquette Street.
The Jesuits
Black Robes of the Wilderness
In the 17th century the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) sent missionaries to the far reaches of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The Roman Catholic order was founded in 1537 by the Basque priest, . . . — — Map (db m139445) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at East Goudreau Street, on the left when traveling north on North State Street.
This fort was built by the French near here within a decade after Marquette had established his mission in 1671. Its name was that of the family of Frontenac, the French Governor for North America. Until Detroit was founded in 1701, this was the . . . — — Map (db m139604) HM
On South State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of McCann Street, on the right when traveling north.
The French Come to the Straits
The Straits of Mackinac has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. An abundance of whitefish, lake trout and sturgeon attracted Native people who established seasonal villages on Mackinac and Bois Blanc . . . — — Map (db m139634) HM
On Marquette Street at North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling west on Marquette Street.
(Translation of Latin Text on Monument)
In Memorium
Erected by the citizens of St. Ignace in 1882, this monument marks the grave of Rev. Father James Marquette, S.J., who died on the eighteenth day of May, 1675, at the age of thirty . . . — — Map (db m139394) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Fitch Street, on the right when traveling north.
In Commemoration of the Thousands of Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Michigan’s Underwater Preserves. Great Lakes shipping played a significant role in the settlement and growth of Michigan and surrounding territories as early as the 1700s. Brutally . . . — — Map (db m154880) HM
On U.S. 2, 0.9 miles west of Gudmunson Road, on the left when traveling west.
French fishermen who came to Gros Cap (on the shore below) early last century also participated in its offshore settlement, St. Helena Island, where ships obtained wood fuel and other supplies. There in 1850, Archie and Wilson Newton set up a . . . — — Map (db m104025) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) south of Spring Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Great Lakes are known for delicious freshwater fish.
Before the white man came, Native Indian tribes supplied their needs with fresh and dried fish from these lakes.
Later, others joined in the fishing business, many of them from the . . . — — Map (db m130127) HM
On Marquette Street west of North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling west.
Some of the Hurons, who were driven from Ontario and the East by hostile Iroquois, finally found refuge in 1671 beside Marquette's new St. Ignace Mission. (Also called Huron Mission). They remained here with the French and Ottawas until 1701, when . . . — — Map (db m139395) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the left when traveling north on North State Street.
This church building, constructed in 1837, still stands because of the foresight and commitment of the St. Ignace Knights of Columbus.
Originally built on South State Street, the Old Mission Church served St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Parish for . . . — — Map (db m139470) HM
Near U.S. 2, 0.2 miles east of Cheeseman Road, on the left when traveling west.
This lake, the sixth largest in the world, was discovered in 1634 by Jean Nicolet, who explored this north shore to Green Bay but found no Orientals as the French in Quebec had hoped he would. The general size and outline of the lake was established . . . — — Map (db m4439) HM
In memory of those who lost their lives building the bridge:
1. Albert B. Abbott-
Laborer
2. Jack C. Baker-
Ironworker
3. Robert Koppen-
Ironworker
4. James R. LeSarge-
Ironworker
5. Frank Pepper-Diver
Local Unions that built . . . — — Map (db m214026) HM
Designed by David B. Steinman, and representing a new level of aerodynamic stability in suspension bridges for its time, the Mackinac Bridge was the first suspension bridge to incorporate specific design features to manage the forces imposed on it . . . — — Map (db m105762) HM
On South Marley Street south of Portage Street, on the right when traveling south.
Erected by the
Citizens of Mackinac County
in honor of our
Soldiers and Sailors
and in appreciation of their
sacrifice and service in the
World War — — Map (db m123992) WM
On Interstate 75 at milepost 343,, 0.8 miles south of U.S. 2, on the right when traveling north.
Nicolet passed through the Straits in 1634 seeking a route to the Orient. Soon it became a crossroads where Indian, missionary, trapper, and soldier met. From the 1600's through the War of 1812 first Frenchman and Englishman, then Briton and . . . — — Map (db m101013) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Central Hill, on the right when traveling north.
The Mackinaw Boat was a unique design of Great Lakes vessel developed by the French and based on the Indian design of the Birch Bark Canoe. It was characterized by identical tapered pointed ends, high sides, narrow beam and gaff-rigged sails. . . . — — Map (db m139662) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Central Hill, on the right when traveling north on North State Street.
The loose term "Mackinaw Boat" originally referred to any small sailing craft used in the Straits of Mackinac. The rather flat bottom and shallow draft allowed Mackinaw Boats to be pulled up on the beach, making them an ideal work boat when . . . — — Map (db m139665) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of East Truckey Street, on the right when traveling north.
Built and operated under the supervision of Grover C. Dillman, State Highway Commissioner, as a link of the State Highway System.
Ferry service first opened -1923- under the supervision of Frank F. Rogers, State Highway Commissioner, 1913-1929.
. . . — — Map (db m130090) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the right when traveling north.
Famous landing place for 17th century adventurers, explorers, voyageurs, traders, coureurs de bois, soldiers and missionaries, who followed Indian routes to this shore; — Brule, Nicolet, Dablon, Marquette, Perrot, Jolliet, La Salle, Hennepin, . . . — — Map (db m139461) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at McCann Street, on the right when traveling north.
The four large cylinder shaped structures that you see in place out in the bay are called "mooring dolphins". A dolphin is "a man-made marine structure that extends above the water level and is not connected to shore". These particular dolphins . . . — — Map (db m130123) HM
Near North State Street, on the right when traveling north.
The four large cylinder shaped structures that you see in place out in the bay are called "mooring dolphins". A dolphin is "a man-made marine structure that extends above the water level and is not connected to shore". These particular dolphins . . . — — Map (db m139691) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) south of East Goudreau Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Man, in search of game, first entered North America during the Ice Age by crossing the Bering land bridge that once linked present-day Siberia and Alaska. Beginning about 9,000 B.C., melting glaciers raised the sea level 300 feet, flooding the . . . — — Map (db m139661) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of East Goudreau Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Michigan's huge, untouched forests once seemed inexhaustible. Virgin White Pine often were over 5 feet in diameter and 200 feet tall.
The lumber era boomed in Michigan between 1880 and 1900. Giant trees were cut in winter and floated to . . . — — Map (db m139603) HM
On U.S. 2, 1.2 miles west of Old Portage Trail, on the right when traveling west.
Here on West Moran Bay, a large 17th century Ottawa village was directly connected by trail and water with Michilimackinac center on Moran Bay, Lake Huron. Both bays were named for Trader Morin whose post was at this settlement. The original burial . . . — — Map (db m104013) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) west of East Truckey Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Past
10,000 years ago the last Pleistocene glacier retreated across this region, leaving behind the Great Lakes and their drainage basin. The first human inhabitants arrived soon thereafter, living off abundant game, fertile soil and . . . — — Map (db m139794) HM
Prentiss Marsh Brown dreamed of what it would take to bridge the Mackinac Straits. He grew up in St. Ignace at the dawn of the 20th century and often gazed south across the Straits, a daunting stretch of cold, deep water. He could not know then . . . — — Map (db m105711) HM
When the Mackinac Bridge was constructed, a bell was placed at the base of each tower to guide approaching vessels during poor visibility. In March of 1961, a fog horn was installed. The bells have been silent ever since. On April 24, 2002, the . . . — — Map (db m105681) HM
On Business Interstate 75, on the right when traveling north.
Pere Marquette established in 1671 the Mission of St. Ignace. French troops soon after built Fort Buade. The state’s second oldest white village guarded the Straits while serving as the most important French fur post in the northwest. By 1706 both . . . — — Map (db m34970) HM
On North State Street (Business U.S. 75) at Marquette Street on North State Street.
St. Ignace Mission has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value commemorating and illustrating the history of the United . . . — — Map (db m214028) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at Marquette Street, on the left when traveling north on North State Street.
In 1671 the mission of St. Ignace was established so that the Christian message could be brought to several thousand Indians living on this shore. The founder was Father Jacques Marquette, the Jesuit missionary. In 1673 he left on his great journey . . . — — Map (db m214029) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) south of Spring Street, on the right when traveling north.
July 31, 1923 marked the beginning of a Straits ferry system, when the converted river boat “Ariel,” landed 20 autos at the St. Ignace center. Annual traffic increased to about one million cars, requiring 470 employees, new docks and a . . . — — Map (db m130095) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling north.
This dock and the auto ferries which landed here were once the Upper Peninsula's "highway" to lower Michigan.
In the early 1900's, the few cars which reached the Straits crossed on railroad ferries, at a cost of $40 each! Better roads . . . — — Map (db m139782) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the right when traveling north.
One of the oldest archaeological sites in the country is located in St. Ignace at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture (across the street from here). The Huron village, which was located there, is believed to have looked like this in the 1600s. These . . . — — Map (db m139513) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) at McCann Street, on the right when traveling north.
The boardwalk on which you are standing is constructed on what is affectionately referred to by local residents as the "Chief Dock". It is the previous home to the Chief Wawatam (Wa-wa'-tem), a hand-fired, coal burning train-car ferry built by the . . . — — Map (db m130100) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) east of McCann Street, on the right when traveling north.
Panel 1 — The Life
In the years when passenger trains were part of the train service, the Chief's crew consisted of 54 people including "hotel services staff." The Chief ran 24 hours a day. She could carry 348 passengers and had . . . — — Map (db m140007) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the left when traveling north.
When Huron refugees settled on this site in 1671 they established a village similar to the ones they had built for centuries in lower Ontario, their homeland.
The most striking feature in a Huron village is the very tall and very long bark . . . — — Map (db m139625) HM
French traders established themselves in the Upper Great Lakes region after 1644 and were welcome among the Indians. They sought harmony with the native people, learning their language and respecting their customs.
The French adopted useful . . . — — Map (db m139530) HM
On North State Street (Business U.S. 75) at Fitch Street, on the right when traveling north on North State Street.
Remember
The young men and women who were torn from their homes, families, and friends to serve their country in its time of need some came back as they left. Others returned disabled, scarred physically and mentally, and many gave their last . . . — — Map (db m214027) WM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the right when traveling north.
Father Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest, established a mission called St. Ignace here in 1671.
In May of 1673, Marquette, Louis Jolliet and 5 other Frenchmen left St. Ignace in 2 canoes on an expedition to find the river known as the . . . — — Map (db m139514) HM
Near North State Street north of East Goudreau Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The Great Lakes have swallowed up over 10,000 ships since the first trading ship was lost in 1679. Storm waves on the lakes are sharper than the roll and swell of ocean waves; a ship may not recover before being struck by another wave.
Lake . . . — — Map (db m139590) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the right when traveling north.
The dark debris along the shoreline of this sandy beach is actually tree bark that has washed ashore. How did the tree bark get in the water in the first place?
From the 1870's to the mid 1900's, when the lumber industry was huge in Northern . . . — — Map (db m139492) HM
Near North State Street (Business Interstate 75) north of Marquette Street, on the right when traveling north.
The dark debris along the shoreline of this sandy beach is actually tree bark that has washed ashore. How did the tree bark get in the water in the first place?
From the 1870's to the mid 1900's, when the lumber industry was huge in Northern . . . — — Map (db m139511) HM
On North State Street (Business Interstate 75) south of East Truckey Street, on the right when traveling north.
This rudder came from the shipwreck of the William H. Barnum, a wooden steamer lost April 3, 1894. While carrying a cargo of corn the aging Barnum was blocked and cut open by ice. No loss of life occurred.
William H. Barnum Length: 218' • . . . — — Map (db m130126) HM
