Mackinac Bridge

Images of America: Michigan

by Mike Fornes

On November 1, 1957, traffic officially opened on the Mackinac Bridge. That was the culmination of 70 years of talking and dreaming about a bridge across the Straits of Mackinac, of discouraging attempts for legislative and congressional approval, of efforts to raise the funds, and finally of a three-year construction program necessary for the world's longest and costliest (to date) suspension bridge. Michigan's greatest symbol is expertly maintained, fully funded, and amazingly resilient to the many forces and factors of man and nature that have failed to seriously affect its status as the lone highway link between Michigan's two main peninsulas. The "miracle bridge" at the Straits of Mackinac truly allows a view that epitomizes the state motto of Michigan, Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice, or "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

Genres: History, Architecture, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2007

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

From 2007 out of the "Images of America: Michigan" series comes the entry by Mike Fornes on the "Mackinac Bridge". This engineering marvel helped link the 2 parts of Michigan by car when it opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. Fornes goes through the history of the bridge from the idea of its very existence through the opening as well as how important the "Mighty Mac" is to the people of Michigan. A truly important book for one of the more iconic places in the Wolverine state.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Mike Fornes while visiting the state of Michigan. He is a tour director and exceptionally knowledgeable about the building of the Mackinac Bridge. In addition, he is the type of fellow you just want to have a cup of coffee with and listen to his wonderful stories. His book depicts in pictures the building of this 5 mile long bridge.

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An amazing read on the construction of the Mackinaw Bridge, I was fascinated and enthralled with wonder, at the remarkable ingenuity of Dr. David B. Steinman, the designer and engineer of the Mackinac Bridge. Someday, I want to go up and drive on that bridge!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had already read Fornes' other book about the Mackinac Bridge, so skimmed this one, since much of the information is the same. I still found it interesting.

[Chris Fedor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved hearing the history of the bridge being built. The photos of work in progress were fascinating.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the history and construction of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the bridge was built, Nov 1956 there was a 23-mile lineup of cars & waiting time for the ferry could be up to 24 hours