No matter if it is spelled Mackinac or Mackinaw – its always
pronounced MackinAW. That’s your fact
for today. We spent the day learning all
about the history of this area and toured the Michilimackinaw Fort. It is on the northernmost tip of southern
Michigan and was an active fur-trading center since the 1600’s. The French came early to trade with the
Ojibway/Chippewa tribes and then the French Catholic church sent a missionary
priest out to this post. The Fort was
built and populated first by the French
and then around 1761 it was taken by the British. In 1763 the regional Native tribes attacked
and took the fort back from the British, but through treaties and improved
policies the British regained it again.
Through the 1700’s this was the westernmost outpost of the British Empire. It was more of a traders fort than a military
outpost.
Soon after, the British moved the Fort to Mackinaw Island
because it was more defensible and they moved most of the buildings to the
Island and burned the remaining fort so the American rebels couldn’t inhabit
it.
By the 1950’s the original site had become an archaeological
dig and the Fort has since been meticulously restored on its original
foundations. This was one of the most
interesting Fort areas we have seen. It
is furnished with period artifacts and has living gardens and people in costume
to give commentary and demonstrations. A
highly recommended stop on the loop.
Mackinac Bridge is an engineering marvel on its own, and was
built in the 1950’s – I remember my Dad being enthralled with the whole project
– a build that spans over 5 miles of water.
It replaced numerous ferries and now the ferries only operate to take
tourists to Mackinaw Island where no cars are allowed. The Island features horse drawn carriage
tours, approximately two fudge shops for every tourist and the beautiful Grand
Hotel. You can enjoy a day or a weekend
there, or as long as your credit card holds out.
The transmission part arrived today, so we will see what
progress is made on repairs tomorrow.
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| Cannon Firing Demonstration |
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| Musket Firing on the parade grounds |
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| The Mighty Mac |
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| Lighthouse Museum |
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| Toast and Jam singing in the plaza |
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