Mackinaw Island, the popular vacation destination on Michigan's Upper Pennisula, has served as a burial ground, a fort, a fur-trading post, a center for the fishing industry. Today its top industry is tourism with thousands of visitors flocking to the region annually. Known for its ban on cars, its natural beauty and its historic preservation, Mackinaw Island has also been visited by many celebrities and politicians.
Called "mish-la-mack-in-naw" (big turtle) by aboriginal natives who used its caves as a burial site, Mackinaw Island was first seen by the French Canadian explorer Jean Nicolet in the 1630s.
After the French and Indian War, the British established Fort Mackinaw in 1780.
The British and the Americans struggled over Fort Mackinaw during the War of 1812. The Americans gained control of the island through a treaty in 1815.
Fishing became a major industry for Mackinaw Island with tons of fish shipped weekly to Canadian and United States markets.
Tourism was given a boost on Mackinaw Island when the federal government gave the status of protected land to much of the island, limited development, and set building restrictions. Victorians began flocking to the island in droves, and railroads and hotels were built to accommodate the tourists.
With its ban of cars and the preservation of its Victorian theme, Mackinaw Island has continued to attract travelers, including famous visitors such as United States Presidents.
