The Mackinac Blog

The Straits of Mackinac was a center of the fur trade from the late 1680s. Beginning in 1815 activity was centered in John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company (AFC). The company agent’s home, clerks’ quarters and warehouse were located at the center of Market Street. There furs were processed and trade goods assembled.

The Retail Store was established by the company in about 1820 on the corner of Market and Fort Streets as an outlet where the company could sell surplus merchandise. Company employees, community residents and Fort Mackinac soldiers shopped here. It was one of several general stores that served Mackinac Island in the 1820s and 1830s.

On this site in 1822 Alexis St. Martin, a voyageur, was injured by an accidental gunshot wound. The unusual healing of the wound allowed Dr. William Beaumont, Fort Mackinac’s post surgeon, to conduct experiments on how the human stomach worked.

American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum
Mackinac State Historic Parks
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
906-847-3328

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Visit American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum Website >>>>

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American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum
Mackinac State Historic Parks
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
906-847-3328
Visit Website‘]

Mission Church has been restored to its 1830’s appearance. Walk up and down the aisles and see the restored church in its 1830’s-era glory. Open a pew door and sit inside, enjoying the peace and quiet of a church from the past. Each family had their own pew, as evident when entering this church, and for a moment that space could be yours.

History

Evangelical Protestants built the New England style Mission Church during 1829 and 1830 to house the Presbyterian Congregation on Mackinac Island. The church was led by Reverend William Ferry and his wife Amanda, who were missionaries with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission. Many prominent island residents involved in the fur trade attended the church, including Robert Stuart and Henry Schoolcraft.

Mission Church
Mackinac Island, MI 49757

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Visit Historic Mackinac Island Downtown Website >>>>

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Mission Church
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Visit Website‘]