The Chippewa Indians called the island Michilimackinac, which is usually defined as Great Spirits or Great Turtle. No passenger cars are permitted on Mackinac.
Ferries link the island with the mainland.
In 1671, Father Jacques Marquette established a mission at nearby Point St. Ignace. The French built forts at St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, on the Michigan mainland. In 1761, the French surrendered the area to the British. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island in 1780. In 1796, the United States gained the island, but the British recaptured it in 1812.