Craig Wilson – Tap Talk

150^th Anniversary of Mackinac National Park

                In 1875, President Grant signed a law designating about half of Mackinac Island as a national park. For the next 20 years, the soldiers of Fort Mackinac helped maintain and improve the park for island visitors. This presentation will cover why the park was created, how it operated from 1875 to 1895, the national park’s transformation into Michigan’s first state park, and what Mackinac State Historic Parks will be doing in 2025 to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Mackinac National Park.

Craig Wilson is the chief curator for Mackinac State Historic Parks. He lives in Mackinaw City.