
Michilimackinac Archaeology 2024 Season Wrap-Up
The 2024 archaeological field season was concluded. What did we learn?

The 2024 archaeological field season was concluded. What did we learn?

More than 240 years have passed since wooden sloops brought wild hay to the King’s Cattle on Mackinac Island. During your next visit, scan the watery horizon and imagine the scene from a bygone era. Perhaps you’ll glimpse a broad, white sail billowing in the wind. Or listen closely, and just maybe you’ll hear soft, clanking cowbells as supper makes its way across the Straits of Mackinac.

We’re halfway through the 2024 archaeological field season, and we’ve met one of our major goals for the season. Learn more:

The clothes our historic interpreters wear are a major part in telling the story of the historic residents of the Straits of Mackinac. A lot of research goes into making these outfits accurate, and here’s a little peek at one of the new outfits you’ll find in Colonial Michilimackinac this summer.

Ongoing research has uncovered another fascinating story at Michilimackinac: the “Unlucky Affair” of Lt. James Hamilton and his stabbing. Intrigued? Learn more:

Most of us have had the experience of moving from one place to another, deciding what to take and what to discard. In the summer of 1781, the residents of Michilimackinac had the same experience.

Ongoing historical research and archaeological excavations form the backbone of our interpretive programs and exhibits. Every now and then we come across a mystery! Read more about a mystery of five soldiers from British Michilimackinac who switched sides during the American Revolution.

When you think of Mackinac, you might think of fudge, or no cars, or horses, or the fort. But potatoes? “The best potatoes in the world grow at Mackinac.” Or at least they did. Read on!

The 65th field season of archaeology has wrapped up at Colonial Michilimackinac.
