
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.
As we commemorate the 150th anniversary, let’s revisit an article titled “Beautiful Mackinac,” originally published June 4, 1875, to celebrate Mackinac National Park.
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.
Our Park Naturalist, Kyle, is ready to set the story straight: Chimney Rock and Sunset Rock are not one and the same. Let’s revisit Chimney Rock:
Ice fishing has been an important part of the Straits for thousands of years, but dramatic scenes of net poles so numerous that they appeared almost as a forest are now nearly forgotten.
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.
You’ve heard of the Battle of Mackinac Island, but have you heard of the Cattle of Mackinac Island? This is their story.
Wintering on Mackinac Island has always been a desolate and isolated affair. While many were able to leave the island in winter, soldiers of the 23rd United States Infantry, Companies E and K, had to stay and adapt to their winter home.
Merry Christmas!
“What though the woods are bare and cheerless, the water-courses bound by fetters of ice, and the whole earth covered with snow? A cheery greeting, for all that, to those who burn the Yule log and brighten their homes with the holly and yew. They say these days are the embers of the dying year; then kindle the flames of life and love anew. Light up the candles that gleam in the branches of evergreen. Hang Christmas boxes on every bough. Make every one happy, old and young. Rejoice!”
Forest and Stream, December 25, 1873
The earliest archaeological excavation at Fort Mackinac took place at one of its earliest structures, the British well.
Mackinac Island State Park cleanup is progressing well, and the park will be ready for the 2025 season. Click here to learn more.