Michigan:
Mackinaw Island &
Mackinaw Bridge
History Native Americans Underground Railroad Mackinaw Locks
Mackinaw Bridge
Fast Facts
Mackinaw Bridge
4 Lanes of Traffic of I-75 Connects Mackinaw City and St. Ignace Length: 26,372 ft. Width: 68 ft. Height: 522 ft. Longest Span: 3,800 ft. Opening Date: November 1, 1957 Designed by: David B. Steinman On June 25, 1998 the bridge reached its 100 millionth crossing. Every labor day two lanes of traffic are closed for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
The Mackinaw Bridge had been envisioned for many years but nothing really had been done about it. Before the bridge was constructed the only way across the strait was by ferry. Ferries became too expensive and the State Highway Department had the task to establish a bridge connecting Saint Ignace and Mackinaw City. In 1934 the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority of Michigan was formed to research the feasibility of a bridge across the straits. In 1947 the Authority was abandoned without any state funds or help. Then in 1950 engineers were hired and the state sold 85 million dollars in bonds to fund the construction effort. In 1953 David B. Steinman was awarded the job of designer and began construction in 1954. In November 1957 the bridge opened to the public.
Mackinaw Island
Harbor
Fort Mackinac
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackinac_island
Grand Hotel
Mackinaw Island was formed by glaciers of the last ice age. Mackinaw Island only is about 3.8 miles in area. It was once home to Native Americans before Europeans settled the area in the 17th century. Fort Mickinac was built due to its strategic location between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The Island was used during the Revolutionary War and had two battles faught on its shores in the War of 1812. Now the whole island is a National Historic Landmark. The Island is a major tourist location with the tourists mainly coming by private boats or by ferry. There is an airfield on the island , to be used by small aircrafts. Bikers are the usual mode of transportation because motor vehicles are banned on the small island. Historic Locations on Mackinaw Island:
Fort Mackinaw: built in 1780, closed in 1895. Restoration be can in the 1930's and is now a tourist attraction.
Matthew Geary House: built in 1846, now can be rented for vacation. Grand Hotel: opened in 1887. The hotel was the site of the famous film "Somewhere in Time". Indian Dormitory: Built after the signing of the 1836 Treaty of Washington. This was a school and a place for the Native Americans to receive their yearly allotments. Mission Church: Built in 1829, and is the oldest surviving church in Michigan. Mission House: Built in 1825 for boarding Native American children. In 1849 it became a hotel. Round Island Lighthouse: Located south of the island, on a small round unused island itself. It was built in 1894 and in the 1970's restorations began. Agency House of the American Fur Company: built in 1820 as a home for the agencies Robert Stuart. It is now a fur trade museum. Michigan Governor's Summer Residence: built in 1902 and purchased as a governor's residence in 1934.
Resources Used:
Links for more information:
This is an official site of the mackinaw bridge and has fairs, history and such.
This site gives pictures and information about the mackinaw bridge and surrounding sites.
Last updated on August 6, 2007
Created By Kristin Brothers
