Mackinac Island

NE across the Straits of Mackinac from Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, MI
Local significance of the district:
Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Michigan was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Mackinac County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was traditionally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi. These tribes relied on the area's abundant natural resources, particularly the Great Lakes, for fishing and trade.

In the 17th century, French explorers arrived, establishing a fur trade network in the region. The most notable among them was Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, who explored the Great Lakes and discovered the Mississippi River. The French built Fort Michilimackinac in 1715, which became a major trading post and played a crucial role in the fur trade economy.

During the American Revolutionary War, the British gained control of the fort, and it remained under British rule until 1796 when it was finally turned over to the United States. Mackinac County became a part of Michigan Territory in 1818 and rapidly grew in population due to the area's economic opportunities and strategic location.

In the mid-19th century, the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 connected Mackinac County to Michigan's Lower Peninsula, leading to increased tourism and economic growth. Today, Mackinac County remains a popular destination for its rich historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from around the world. The county continues to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing modern development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Mackinac County, Michigan.

  • Pre-17th century: The area now known as Mackinac County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi.
  • 17th century: French explorers, such as Etienne Brulé and Samuel de Champlain, establish contact and trade with the Native American tribes in the region.
  • 1670: French fur traders build a trading post on Mackinac Island, which becomes an important center for the fur trade.
  • 1761: Fort Mackinac is established by the British during the French and Indian War.
  • 1774: The British establish Michilimackinac County, which includes the area that will become Mackinac County.
  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolutionary War and transferring the area to the United States.
  • 1818: Mackinac County is officially established by the Michigan Territorial Government.
  • 1834: The County seat is relocated from Mackinac Island to the mainland.
  • 1837: Michigan achieves statehood, and Mackinac County remains a part of the state.
  • 1875: The Mackinac Bridge is completed, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
  • 1895: The first automobile is seen in Mackinac County, marking the beginning of a new era of transportation.
  • 20th century: Mackinac County becomes a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historic sites.
  • 2010s: Mackinac County continues to thrive as a tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities and attractions.