[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5688-S5689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARK

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate is acting on 
the House Concurrent Resolution, H. Con. Res. 325, which was introduced 
by Congressman Stupak and recognizes the celebration of the 50th 
anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical 
Preservation and Museum Program. This anniversary, which will take 
place on June 15, 2008, honors the work of the Commission to protect, 
preserve, and communicate the rich history and natural wonders of 
Mackinac Island.
  Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, between Michigan's Upper and 
Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is an important part of this Nation's 
history. In colonial years, the island provided strategic fur-trading 
posts for French, British, and American settlements. During the Civil 
War, Britain's Fort Mackinac was established on this island and the 
fort was also used during the War of 1812. In 1817, the village of 
Mackinac was incorporated and served as the seat for the territorial 
county of Michilimackinac, which covered much of what is now Michigan. 
It also functioned as the seat of Mackinac County from 1849 through 
1882. The island was considered a sacred place to Native Americans and 
functioned as a tribal gathering place and burial site. Today, the 
island is a popular tourism destination where people can relax, enjoy 
nature, and learn about history.
  Since its inception in 1895, the Mackinac Island State Park 
Commission has been actively engaged in a variety of

[[Page S5689]]

restoration activities and has worked to interpret and communicate the 
multiple stories of this important island to millions of visitors. The 
Commission has participated in a number of initiatives, including 
archeological excavation, lighthouse restoration, and exhibit 
installation, to protect and manage the historic resources of the park.
  The U.S. Congress recognized the significance of Mackinac when it 
established the Mackinac Island National Park in 1875, making it the 
Nation's second National Park after Yellowstone. In 1895, park 
ownership was transferred to the State of Michigan, creating Michigan's 
first State park. In 1958, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission 
established the Historical Preservation and Museum Program. This 
program has served as the primary caretaker and purveyor of the 
Island's considerable tale. I am pleased to extend my warmest 
congratulations to those individuals involved with this program who 
have painstakingly restored and preserved Mackinac Island for future 
generations.

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