Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026

History of Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

Located in the Straights of Mackinac, which connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Mackinac Island played a significant role in early American history due to its strategic location. Control of the island changed hands numerous times leading up to and after the establishment of the American republic. The French first occupied Mackinac Island in the 17th century, surrendering it to the British after the French and Indian War. The British fortified the island toward the end of the Revolutionary War, yielding it to the United States in 1796. British forces recaptured the fort at the outbreak of the War of 1812, only to relinquish control to the Americans again at the cessation of the war.

Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery is located approximately a half mile north of Fort Mackinac, near Skull Cave, a burial site for American Indians. The earliest interments in the post cemetery likely date to the mid-1820's. The military occupation of Fort Mackinac throughout the 18th century suggests there was an earlier post cemetery, yet the location of pre-1820’s burials remains elusive. The earliest interments are located on the north and west sides of the post cemetery, which was enlarged between 1873 and 1890.

In 1875, in response to the increasing popularity of Mackinac Island as a tourist destination, the federal government established Mackinac Island National Park. It was the second national park established in the United States, after Yellowstone National Park. With the close of Fort Mackinac in 1895, military operations on the island came to a halt, and the federal government ceded the park to the state of Michigan.

Throughout most of the 20th century, the state maintained the grounds, save for a period in the late 1930's, when the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal work-relief program, landscaped and improved the cemetery. In 1990, the Department of Veterans Affairs assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the cemetery through an agreement with the state.

Today, the rectangular post cemetery is bounded by a white picket fence with a wooden archway marking the entrance. Of the approximately 108 burials in Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, 69 are unknown. In addition to the soldiers and their families, six civilians are interred at the post cemetery.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, including Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Notable interments

Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.

Eligibility for burial at Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.

Request eligibility status for:

Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »

Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Directions

Directions from Detroit Metropolitan Airport: From the Airport, merge onto I-94 W toward Chicago; Merge onto I-275 N via Exit 194 toward Flint; Merge onto I-96 W via the exit on the left toward Lansing; Merge onto US 23 N via Exit 148B toward Flint; take I-75 to Mackinaw City, MI; take the James St exit into downtown. In Mackinaw City take the ferry landing exit. Take the ferry (fee charged) to Mackinac Island. Cemetery is located behind the fort.

Directions from Bishop International Airport (Flint, MI): Go East on W Bristol Rd toward Torrey Rd; take the I-75 N / US 23 N ramp toward Saginaw. Stay on I-75 / US 23 N to mackinaw City, MI. In Mackinaw City take the ferry landing exit. Take the ferry (fee charged) to Mackinac Island. Cemetery is located behind the fort.

Floral and grounds policy

Floral arrangements are not authorized at any time in the cemetery.

Weapons policy

VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.

Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.

Education and visiting programs

We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.

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Nearest cemeteries

The three closest veteran cemeteries to Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery (by straight-line distance):

• Great Lakes National Cemetery — Holly, MI (212 mi · open)
• Lakeside Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Port Huron, MI (223 mi · closed)
• Northwoods National Cemetery — Harshaw, WI (244 mi · open)

Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes

The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.