Fort Michilimackinac (meaning Large Turtle) was first built by the French. The French were very wise in the way they traded with the Indians, always giving them gifts first and then negotiating their trade items for furs. When the British defeated the French and took over this fort, they did not experience the same friendly exchanges not believing that the gifts were necessary. Indians attacked the British forts all over this region. Many British were massacred and the fort remained in control of the Indians for some time. Eventually the British were able to take it back over. It was moved to Mackinaw Island in 1780.
We got to view both canon and musket demonstrations during our tour.
Below is an archaeology dig in progress. This excavation is in it's 56th year. One of the longest ongoing excavations of its kind in the nation. Since this fort was moved to Mackinaw Island and what was left was burned, they have been able to reconstruct the fort by the findings from these digs.
Making bread pudding below.
Blacksmith busy making a hand tool.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, "a point of light in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889."
Below: The view from the front of the lighthouse toward Mackinaw Bridge.
Our lighthouse keeper tour guide. He played the part perfectly.
Another view of the lighthouse. Could not resist one more picture.
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