Add MY Family To This Page
History of Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
(Fort Michilimackinac)
Visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Mackinac Island Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!

Mackinac Island is located on Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac, in Mackinac County, east of the Mackinac Bridge. From 1818 to 1882, the City was the county seat of the former Michilimackinac County, which was later organized into Mackinac County with St. Ignace as the county seat.
The City includes all of Mackinac Island except for the state owned property under the jurisdiction of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and Department of Natural Resources. The City Charter also originally included nearby Round Island which is unpopulated and now federally owned and part of Hiawatha National Forest. The City Charter was passed by the State of Michigan Legislature in 1899 which vacated the Township of Holmes and Village of Mackinac to incorporate the City of Mackinac Island.
cityofmi.org
There is MUCH more to discover about Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA. Read on!
Mackinac Island Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Mackinac Island: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1715 - The French built Fort Michilimackinac to re-establish a presence along the Straits of Mackinac
1761 - The French relinquished the fort, along with their territory in Canada, to the British in 1761 following their loss in the French and Indian War.
1763 - A group of Ojibwe killed most of the British inhabitants and held the fort for a year before the British retook it with the provision to offer more and better gifts to the native inhabitants of the area.
1781 - The British eventually deemed the wooden fort on the mainland too vulnerable to attack, and in 1781 they built Fort Mackinac, a limestone fort on nearby Mackinac Island.
1854 - Mackinac / Michilimackinac / Mackinaw
Mackinac, or Michilimackinac, commonly called Mackinaw, a post-village, capital of Michilimackinac co., Michigan, on an island of the same name, in Lake Huron, about 320 miles by water, N. N. W. from Detroit. Lat. 45° 54' N., Lon. 84° 30'. It is pleasantly situated around a small bay at the south eastern part of the island. The harbor is safe and deep enough for large vessels. Fort Mackinaw stands on a rocky height 150 feet above the village which it commands. Here is an agency for Indian affairs. The village contains a court house, 2 or 3 churches, and numerous stores. The trade of Mackinac in 1 851 was computed at $356,218. Large numbers of fish are exported from this place. Pop. in 1853, 1200. See Michilimackinac.
Michilimackinac, sometimes written Mackinac, a county of Michigan, in the E. part of the upper peninsula, borders on Lake Michigan and the traits of Mackinac, which separate it from the lower peninsula. The surface is uneven, and is timbered with pine and other trees.... Read MORE...
Mackinac, or Michilimackinac, commonly called Mackinaw, a post-village, capital of Michilimackinac co., Michigan, on an island of the same name, in Lake Huron, about 320 miles by water, N. N. W. from Detroit. Lat. 45° 54' N., Lon. 84° 30'. It is pleasantly situated around a small bay at the south eastern part of the island. The harbor is safe and deep enough for large vessels. Fort Mackinaw stands on a rocky height 150 feet above the village which it commands. Here is an agency for Indian affairs. The village contains a court house, 2 or 3 churches, and numerous stores. The trade of Mackinac in 1 851 was computed at $356,218. Large numbers of fish are exported from this place. Pop. in 1853, 1200. See Michilimackinac.
Michilimackinac, sometimes written Mackinac, a county of Michigan, in the E. part of the upper peninsula, borders on Lake Michigan and the traits of Mackinac, which separate it from the lower peninsula. The surface is uneven, and is timbered with pine and other trees.... Read MORE...
1895 - Mackinac / Mackinaw Island
Mackinac (Mackinaw) Island, a post-village of Mackinac co., Mich., is on a small island at the N.W. extremity of Lake Huron, about 320 miles by water N.N.W. of Detroit. It has 1 or 2 churches, several hotels, and a safe harbor, and is a popular place of summer resort. Here is Fort Mackinaw, on a rocky hill, nearly 200 feet above the level of the lake. Pop. in 1890, 750.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Mackinac (Mackinaw) Island, a post-village of Mackinac co., Mich., is on a small island at the N.W. extremity of Lake Huron, about 320 miles by water N.N.W. of Detroit. It has 1 or 2 churches, several hotels, and a safe harbor, and is a popular place of summer resort. Here is Fort Mackinaw, on a rocky hill, nearly 200 feet above the level of the lake. Pop. in 1890, 750.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1960 - The fort grounds were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do when visiting Mackinac Island:
Explore the Island by Bicycle: Mackinac Island is famous for its ban on motorized vehicles, making bicycles the primary mode of transportation. Rent a bike and explore the island's scenic roads and bike trails. You can rent bikes at various shops near the ferry docks.
Visit Mackinac Island State Park: Covering over 80% of the island, this state park offers more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with breathtaking views of Lake Huron, limestone formations, and lush forests. Be sure to check out Arch Rock, a stunning natural limestone arch that's a must-see.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: To get a comprehensive overview of the island's history and landmarks, hop on a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour. You'll learn about Mackinac's fascinating past and see notable spots like Fort Mackinac and Governor's Residence.
Fort Mackinac: This well-preserved military outpost offers a glimpse into the island's history during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.... Read MORE...
Explore the Island by Bicycle: Mackinac Island is famous for its ban on motorized vehicles, making bicycles the primary mode of transportation. Rent a bike and explore the island's scenic roads and bike trails. You can rent bikes at various shops near the ferry docks.
Visit Mackinac Island State Park: Covering over 80% of the island, this state park offers more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with breathtaking views of Lake Huron, limestone formations, and lush forests. Be sure to check out Arch Rock, a stunning natural limestone arch that's a must-see.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: To get a comprehensive overview of the island's history and landmarks, hop on a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour. You'll learn about Mackinac's fascinating past and see notable spots like Fort Mackinac and Governor's Residence.
Fort Mackinac: This well-preserved military outpost offers a glimpse into the island's history during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Mackinac Island Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about 38 ancestors who were born or died in Mackinac Island.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Mackinac Island.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Mackinac Island
Our Mackinac Island Gift Ideas


MICHIGAN PRIDE - "I'm from Michigan" Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for MY Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for MY Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/19/2023 7:25:24 AM