The Mackinaw Boat was a unique design of Great Lakes vessel developed by the French and based on the Indian design of the Birch Bark Canoe. It was characterized by identical tapered pointed ends, high sides, narrow beam and gaff-rigged sails. This design was used on boats from 18 to 40 feet in length.

The Mackinaw Boat played a historic role in Great Lakes fishing, trading, and transportation. Developed at a time when harbors and docks were scarce, this boat could easily be beached and its' 2 masts could be removed and used as rollers to pull the boat up a slopig shore.

Behind you, under the shelter along the boardwalk, near State Street, is a Mackinaw boat relic called the "Edith Jane". She was built in St. Ignace in the late 1800's by the Chenier family.

Mackinac or Mackinaw
Both are pronounced (Mak 'o - no'). The first if the French/Indian spelling and the latter is the English version.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Mackinaw Boat
Civilian Conservation Corps
Native American Land Losses
Fort de Buade
Mooring Facilities
Old Mill Slip
Watery Graveyard
Commercial Fishing
Diving into History
Michigan State Ferry

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.