Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Category: Fort Mackinac

Mackinac National Park

Let’s revisit an article originally posted in 1875 exploring the newly created Mackinac National Park.

Michigan Governor ‘Soapy’ Williams, A Champion for Mackinac

The G. Mennen Williams Mackinac Celebration is the kickoff to the events season for our friends group Mackinac Associates, named in honor of former Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams. But who was Gov. Williams and why is he important to Mackinac State Historic Parks?

Beautiful Mackinac

As we commemorate the 150th anniversary, let’s revisit an article titled “Beautiful Mackinac,” originally published June 4, 1875, to celebrate Mackinac National Park.

Behind the Scenes Archaeology

Thanks to a onetime influx of infrastructure money, Mackinac State Historic Parks is in the middle of a construction boom. Archaeological potential is considered during project planning, and testing and monitoring are carried out when appropriate. Here is a rundown of what’s been a very busy winter:

The Officers of Fort Mackinac

The 1880s represent an interesting time in US Army history, as the “old army” of the Civil War was meeting the emerging “new army” more recognizable today. This can be seen in the men who served as officers at Fort Mackinac.

What’s New for 2025?

 As the calendar flips to 2025, the Mackinac State Historic Parks team is hard at work protecting, preserving, and presenting the rich history of the Straits of Mackinac by creating new exhibits, galleries, and tours, improving visitor experiences, celebrating a major anniversary, expanding our collections area and library, and finishing major infrastructure improvements on Mackinac Island.

The Hospital Corps at Fort Mackinac

While the Hospital Corps only came into being toward the very end of Fort Mackinac’s time as an active military post, it demonstrates another way Fort Mackinac experienced the changing times of the army.