The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-06-02

From the Toledo Blade.
MaCkinaC.

ble place of resort during the summer
months. An acquaintance with the place
may enable US to give some information con-
corning it, that may prove acceptable to
those intending to visit it.
Mackinac is about $50 miles north of
Detroit, in the Straits of Mackinac, 20 miles
from Lake Huron, and 80 miles southwest
from Saut Ste Marie.
Cheboygan lies on the shore Of the main
land, Id miles south and east from Macki-
mac. Cheboygan derived its name from
celebrated Indian chief. whose tribe inhabited
that region some years ago. This place con-
tains two steam saw mills, three stores, &c.
A thriving lumber place. There is a pier at
Duncan, or east Cheboygan, where steam
ers stop to take on wood and COAL There
is land office situated there, where large
amount of that excellent pine country has
been entered within the last year. A light
house is erected few miles east of Duncan,
at the junction of the straits with Lake
Huron. Bois Blanc island, two miles from
Mackinac, divides the straits into two chan
nels at the mouth. Most of the steamers
stopping at Mackinac take the north chan
mel. Above Bois Blanc, is Round island.
Both are uninhabited. There is a light
house at the outer and northern extremity of
Bos Blanc, which light can be seen from
Mackinac during the season of navigation.
There is a small village southwest of
Mackinac, on Point St. Helena, called
Grow Cap, inhabited by Indians, French and
in this vicinity to some extent, but fishing
is the chief occupation of the people in this
whole region.
Macklnac island is nearly round, and nine
miles in circumference Persons can walk
around it on the beach. The highest part is
near the eastern side, where once stood Fort
Holmes, occupied by the British many years
ago. This is about 800 feet above the level
of the lake. The principal part of the
island is quite elevated. 1t can be dscerned
many miles before eaching it, from the lake.
On the east side is perpendicular rocky
bluff, about 80 or 100 feet high. On the
north side is Arch Rock, natural curiosity,
some 70 feet arch, and l40 feet above the
water. This place is reached by paths over
the island, or by going around the east end
on the shore. Sugar Loaf is another curl
osity, situated on the first shelf or table land
from the lake, and north of old Fort Holmes.
This is huge rock, some 80 feet high, and
40 feet diameter at the base. There is a
small cave up about half way, reached by
rude ladder. On the north side of the island
is another curious rock, called "Lovers'
Leap" from a tradition that an Indian
maiden and her lover jumped from the sum-
NIT to escape persecution. From the sum-
nit of this rock, is a fine view of Lake
Huron to the east, and old Michilima ckinac
and the straits to the west. This must be
nearly l80 feet above the water.
There is other picturesque and romantic
scenery. The rocks, the caves, the dells, &C.,
oil combine to make the place attractve.-
There is an almost continuous breeze blow
ing up fresh, cool, and bracing from the
lake. This pure air is one thing most es-
sential in making Mackinac so celebrated as
beneficial retreat for the invalid.
There is but little timber on the island, it
being covered principally with a small
growth of fir, cedar and balsam. A pure
article of balsam oil, can be obtained here
from the native tree It is found in small
blisters or bubbles on the outer bark.