[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 123 (Thursday, July 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARK

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 1995
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is, indeed, an honor to bring to the 
attention of the U.S. Congress and the people of this Nation an event 
that is not only historically noteworthy, but one that will be most 
celebrated.
  On Friday, August 4, 1995, the Mackinac Island State Park will 
celebrate its 100th anniversary as Michigan's first State park. This 
outstanding facility, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has been 
the source of enjoyment for not just the citizens of my State of 
Michigan and of the United States, but the world, as well.
  The park began first as a U.S. military reservation on Mackinac 
Island and later became this Nation's second national park. Upon 
expressing a desire to have this land as a State park, State officials 
worked for the passage of legislation in the 53d Congress that would 
permit the transfer of the land from the Federal Government to the 
State. On March 2, 1895, the authorizing legislation was passed. To 
wit:
                         Act of Congress, 1895


  military reservation on mackinac island turned over to the state of 
                                michigan

       Military Reservation on Mackinac Island, Michigan: The 
     Secretary of War is hereby authorized, on the application of 
     the governor of Michigan, to turn over to the State of 
     Michigan, for use as a state park, and for no other purpose, 
     the military reservation and buildings and the lands of the 
     National Park on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Provided, That 
     whenever the State ceases to use the land for the purposes 
     aforesaid it shall revert to the United States.
       Page 946, Fifty-third Congress, Session III, Ch. 189, 1895.
  Following this act of Congress, discussions began between the State 
of Michigan and the Federal Government, culminating in a final 
transfer. To wit:
                        Certificate of Transfer

       Whereas, By an act of Congress, approved March 2, 1895, the 
     Secretary of War was authorized, on the application of the 
     Governor of Michigan, to turn over to the State of Michigan, 
     for use as a State park and for no other purpose, the 
     military reservation and buildings and the lands of the 
     National Park on Mackinac Island, Michigan said act providing 
     that whenever the State ceases to use the land for the 
     purpose aforesaid it shall revert to the United States;
       And Whereas, John T. Rich, Governor of the State of 
     Michigan, has made formal application for the transfer to the 
     State of Michigan of said military reservation and buildings 
     and the lands of said National Park for the purpose specified 
     in said act;
       Now Therefore, This is to certify that the Secretary of War 
     hereby turns over to the State of Michigan, for use as a 
     State park and for no other purpose, the military reservation 
     and buildings and the lands of the National Park on Mackinac 
     Island, Michigan, subject to the provisions of said act of 
     Congress.
       Witness my hand and official seal this 3rd day of August, 
     1895.
                                               Secretary Lamont.  
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion marking the one hundredth anniversary 
of Mackinac Island State Park, I congratulate the State of Michigan and 
the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and on behalf of the park's 
multitude of visitors, residents and property owners, thank them for 
maintaining Mackinac Island State Park as the outstanding retreat it 
is.


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