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Mackinac Island
A place that lives "Somewhere In Time"
Mackinac (pronounced Mack-in-aw) Island is a north Michigan island summer resort in the Straits of Mackinac. The Chippewa Indians called the island Michilimackinac, which is usually defined as Great Spirits or Great Turtle.
Father Marquette Statue
In 1671, Father Jacques Marquette established a mission at nearby Point St. Ignace. The French built forts at St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, on the Michigan mainland. In 1761, the French surrendered the area to the British. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island in 1780. In 1796, the United States gained the island, but the British recaptured it in 1812. In 1815, the British returned it to the United States. The island became the headquarters of John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company.
After the fort was abandoned in 1894, the federal goverment transferred much of the island to the state of Michigan. Most of this land became Mackinac Island State Park. Since the late 1950's, the island has experienced growth in tourism. The island and its surrounding area have also become a center of archaeological research and historical reconstruction.
The Island is three miles long, two miles wide and nine miles around at the shore.It has a population of about 470 people. Its unique atmosphere may be attributed in part to the lack of motorized vehicles.
No passenger cars are permitted on Mackinac. Transportation is by way of walking, bicycle, horseback, or surrey. Ferries link the island with the mainland. The world's largest freshwater yachting event is the Chicago-to-Mackinac Island race, which is held each July.
The century old architecture reflects a busy past when the island was the fur trading capital of this part of the continent. After the fur industry decline, rich businessmen came to the island and built summer homes. Today hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the island each summer to relax and enjoy its unusual character.
Other Sites About Mackinac Island:
Official Mackinac Island Chamber Of Commerce
Mackinac Island Pages
Mackinac Island Pictures
Mackinac Island Slide Show
Mackinac's Magical Moments
Mackinac Island Fudge Trivia
You're listening to "Somewhere In Time"
Scripts by Simply
Some graphics from My New Garden
Last updated: September 28, 2000
Copyright© 1998,1999,2000 Wildheart Creations
All Rights Reserved.
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