Mackinac Island and the
Architecture of Empire in the Great Lakes
Eric Gollannek
Grand Valley State University
Mackinac Island across the Straits
Mackinac Island –
Victorian Charm
Grand Hotel (built 1887)
“Longest wooden porch in the world”
Plan of 1780s and village
viewed from the fort in the
1870s
Mackinac waterfront and village site of the 1780s
American Fur Company buildings
Built ca. 1810-1817
American Fur Company – Clerks’ Quarters
John Wood the Elder's
Bristol Exchange (1741-43)
American Fur Company Warehouse
Clerk’s Desk at Mackinac
c. 1820s
Robert and Elizabeth Stuart House
American Fur Company Mackinac Headquarters, built 1817
McGulpin Cottage
After restoration
McGulpin Cottage
Log construction, ca. 1780
McGulpin Cottage
Surviving interior finish from ca. 1820s
Chair rail, reeded pilasters on corner cabinet,
moulded ceiling beams
Edward Biddle House
Built ca. 1790s, expanded ca. 1830s
Pieces-sur-pieces log construction
Built ca. 1780-1800s
Pieces-sur-pieces in Mustang Bar interior
Growth of tourism in the 1850s