Mackinaw City Historical Pathway

The Mackinaw Boat was designed for northern Great Lakes conditions

The Mackinaw boat was the work boat of fur traders, fishermen, settlers and lake travelers for hundreds of years, from the early 1700s to the early 1900s.

The hull was wide at the waterline but narrow at the bottom making a fast stable boat. Pointed at both the bow and stern with a removable center board, the boat could be landed and launched easily from the beach. The small size (18' to 28') and light sailing rig could be handled by two men.

The Mackinaw Coat was created by John Askin and his wife to fill a British military contract

John Askin, a trader in the Upper Great Lakes, was commissioned to design and produce 40 greatcoats for the British Army. Designed by his wife, Marie-Archange, using 3-point trade blankets, they were constructed by local white and métis women in November of 1811.

The Mackinaw coat concept was widely used by trappers, traders, and Indians. Called a "capot" by the French, it was red and bore distinctive black stripes found on the blankets themselves.

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:  

Lake Level Research on the Great Lakes
John L. (Jack) Staffan · Chief Wawatam
Historic Timeline
Island-Hopping the Straits
Mackinaw's First Business District
The Lumbering Era
Mackinac Island Passenger Ferries
The Dixie Highway
Mackinaw Woman's Club, Inc.
Chief Wawatam

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

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