CHAPTER XXII

MACKINAC NATIONAL PARK; MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARK

N 1873 (March 11), the following resolution was intro

I

duced in the United States Senate by Hon. Thomas

W. Ferry, a native of Mackinac Island, and Senator from Michigan.1

"Resolved, That so much of the Island of Mackinac, lying in the Straits of Mackinac, within the county of Mackinac, in the State of Michigan, as is now held by the United States under military reservation or otherwise, (excepting the Fort Mackinac and so much of the present reservation thereof as bounds it to the south of the village of Mackinac, and to the west, north, and east respectively by lines drawn north and south, east and west, at a distance from the present fort flag-staff of four hundred yards) hereby is reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a national public park, or grounds, for health, comfort and pleasure, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and all persons who shall locate or settle upon or occupy the same, or any part thereof, except as herein provided, shall be considered trespassers and removed therefrom.

"That said public park shall be under the exclusive control of the Secretary of War, whose duty it shall be, as

1 Report of the Board of Commissioners, Mackinac Island State Park,

1909.

soon as practicable, to make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the care and management of the same. Such regulations shall provide for the preservation from injury or spoliation of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders within said park, and their retention in their natural condition. The secretary may, in his discretion, grant leases, for building purposes, of small parcels of ground, at such places in said park as shall require the erection of buildings for the accommodation of visitors, for terms not exceeding ten years; all of the proceeds of said leases, and all other revenues derived from any source connected with said park, to be expended, under his direction, in the management of the same and in all the construction of roads and bridle-paths therein. He shall provide against the wanton destruction of game or fish found within said park, and against their capture or destruction for any purposes of use or profit. He also shall cause all persons trespassing upon the same after the passage of this act to be removed therefrom and generally shall be authorized to take all such measures as shall be necessary or proper to fully carry out the objects and purposes of this act.

"That any part of the park hereby created shall at all times be available for military purposes, either as a parade or drill ground, in times of peace, or for complete occupation in time of war, or whenever war is expected, and may also be used for the erection of any public buildings or works; Provided, That no person shall ever claim or receive of the United States any damage on account of any future amendment or repeal of this act, or the taking of said park, or any part thereof, for public purposes or use."

Through the earnest efforts of Senator Ferry, the Act for