A famous trading post, situated on Mackinac Island - Michilmackinac (Big Turtle) as it was formerly called - between Lakes Huron and Michigan. In 1764 Fort Mackinaw was captured for the English from the French by Indian allies who used a ruse of following a lacrosse ball into the fort.
The term mackinaw, which is from the Chippewa word meaning "turtle," is applied to several things in English. A mackinaw is a kind of bateau or flatboat used by traders. A heavy blanket is known as a mackinaw blanket, and there is a hat by the name. A species of lake trout is termed Mackinac trout.
Related Information within this Site
[ Blanket ]