Photo above: Horse drawn carriages on Main Street, circa 1890-1910. Courtesy Library of Congress. Right: Old Block House of Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Island Harbor, 1899, Detroit Publishing Company. Courtesy Library of Congress.

Mackinac Island Then

Prior to European settlement in the 17th century, the island was home to Ottawa traders from a small indepedent tribe known as the Mi-shi-ne-macki naw-go. The first recorded account of French trappers date their arrival in 1654; there is also speculation that others may have arrived twenty years before. In 1671, missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette arrived, taking over for predecessor Claude Dablon, who had been there the year prior.

A century later, the island was inhabited by the British, who built Fort Mackinac in 1780 to enhance their military presence, which had been fortified in Mackinaw City at Fort Michilimackinac prior to the American Revolution, but now vulnerable to an American attack. When the revolution was over, the new United States were now in technical possession, although British forces did not leave the fort until September 1, 1796. But even that U.S. possession would not last. In the War of 1812, the first land engagement saw British forces take Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812.

Photo above: Mackinac and Murray hotels in downtown Mackinac Island, 1908, Detroit Publishing Company. Courtesy Library of Congress. Below: Main street of Mackinac Island today, 2014. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

Mackinac Island Now

Now at Mackinac can seem like then, as much as possible in today's world. No cars. Five hundred horses that take you on carriage rides from place to place on the island. And so many bicycles in the summer that you might think you're in Europe or Japan. The past is Mackinac Island's present. Quaint places to stay. Historic sites to visit. The beauty and nature of northern Michigan, the Great Lakes, and as much peace and quiet as you can imagine in a tourist town.

There are six Michigan State Historic Park sites between the island and Mackinaw City, where you'll likely depart. From Colonial MichiliMackinac, Fort Mackinac (part of Mackinac Island State Park), Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Mackinac Art Museum, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and Historic Downtown Mackinac, you'll get a history lesson about the Great Lakes, how it was defended, and what made it special.

For many who visit, it will be the charming past of a different kind that wets your whistle. Walks along the lake, ice cream at a turn of the century themed parlor, and miniature golf, or regular golf, are a regular staple of a visit here. And there's very little hustle and bustle of the regular kind. No cars since 1898. Pretty cool. The island has a summer population of about fifteen thousand people per day. Transportation around the island is by bike (1,500 are available to rent), hike, or horse drawn carriage.

The entire island has been a National Historic Landmark since 1960.