Martin Reef Light Station
a.k.a. Martin Reef Light
Northern Lake Huron, 4.3 mi. S of Cadogan Point, Clark Township, MI Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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.
Michigan played a key role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Detroit was an important hub for the movement, and Michigan was the first state in the Northwest Territory to outlaw slavery in 1837.
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.
Mackinac County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.