• Historical Information
• • Fort Mackinac History
  • Colonial Michilimackinac History
  • • A Brief History of Michilimackinac
    • Michilimackinac Chronology
    • Historical Facts & FAQ
  • Mackinac Island Downtown Buildings History
  • Mackinac Island State Park History
  • Historic Mill Creek History
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse History
• Archaeology
• Museum Collections
• Museum Exhibits
• Researching Mackinac History
• Books & Museum Publications
• Museum Links

Lt. Perkins Magra's 1765 Map of Michilimackinac, north is to the bottom of the map (Williams L. Clements Library).

Colonial Michilimackinac History

In 1715 French soldiers constructed Fort St. Philippe de Michilimackinac.  This fortified community, commonly called Michilimackinac, became the great fur trade center of the Northwest until its relocation to nearby Mackinac Island in 1781.  It was here where fur traders and Indians rendezvoused, French and British officers organized war parties and explorers began their journeys into the vast western unknown.

Use the internal links below to learn more about the history of this site.

                 Publications