Thousands of years ago Native American peoples left Michigan's woods and
traveled to places like the Straits of Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie from spring
through fall. People gathered at the lakes mainly to fish. They formed villages
on the shores to take advantage of this abundant food, especially during spring
spawning (lake sturgeon and suckers) and fall spawning (lake trout and
whitefish).
In southern Michigan, native peoples formed villages along rivers and lakes
to grow crops, fish and hunt. These seasonal gatherings allowed people to see
old friends and extended family, meet potential marriage partners, trade,
exchange news, and enjoy the weather and one another's company. In winter, these
people broke up into smaller bands to hunt and live in the forest.
Colonial
Michilimackinac overlooks the Mackinac Straits and Mackinac Island from the
south side of the Straits of Mackinac. Native Americans and French, then
British, engaged in the fur trade at this site. (Photo courtesy Mackinac State
Historic Parks.)
