Flags Pay Homage to Rich Local History
By Leslie Rott

Fort Mackinac honors the historical influence countries had on this region along the Avenue of Flags on the north entrance. Pictured are (left side, front to back) the State of Michigan, France (1590-1790), Great Britain, and the 15-star American Flag. On the right, the 50-star American Flag, Canada, France (1400-1590), and Michigan. Not pictured is the 38-star American flag.

Fort Mackinac, with all of its history, helps chronicle that heritage by displaying flags that have a significant meaning to the area. Mackinac State Historic Parks displays eight different flags on 19 flagpoles outside the Fort, including along the Avenue of Flags. Countries honored with their flags are the United States, Great Britain, France, and Canada.

“The flags are a colorful and attractive way that we can pay homage to the rich history of the area,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Phil Porter.

Most visitors to Fort Mackinac should recognize the contemporary 50-star United States flag. Less recognizable, however, are the other two American flags that fly over the exterior of the Fort. One is the 38-star United States flag, which represents the 1880s, the time period interpreted for visitors at the Fort. The other is the 15-star United States flag, which flew from 1795 through 1818. During that time, in 1796, the United States took control of the fort.

Fort Mackinac also flies the State of Michigan flag and the Canadian flag, a neighboring country that, had fate been different, could have included Mackinac Island.

Two French flags are flown along the Avenue of Flags, the blue flag with the gold Fleur-de-lis, which was flown in New France, honors the French influence on the region and the white flag with the gold Fleur-de-lis, was flown at naval and coastal installations.

French missionaries first arrived at Mackinac in 1670 and the French dominated the early fur trade here. They built Fort Michilimackinac on the mainland in 1715. The fortress was moved to Mackinac Island by the British during the American Revolution in 1780-81.

Flying high is also the Red Ensign of Great Britain, which was used on naval vessels and at military posts. It features the British Union Jack in the upper left corner of the red field. This flag is flown to honor the British, who constructed the Fort in 1780.

On calm days, visitors to the Island may also notice the large American flag sometimes flying over Fort Mackinac. The 20-foot by 36-foot flag is known as the garrison flag and has 38 stars. Because of its size, it is flown on calm days to prevent stress on the flagpole. Two other flags are flown in windy weather. One is the post flag, which measures 10 feet by 15 feet, the other is the storm flag, the smallest, measuring only four feet by eight feet. They also have 38 stars.

All of the flags are raised and lowered in unison by scout troops who participate in the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. Flags are raised at 9:30 a.m. and lowered at 6:30 p.m. It takes a minimum of 16 people to fold the garrison flag, although 30 scouts usually pitch in to help.