Fort Mackinac was built on a southern bluff of Mackinac Island 150 feet above the Straits of Mackinac. It overlooks Marquette Park, which at one time served as a garden for fort soldiers. Service at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s (the era represented at the fort today) was rather easy duty for infantry soldiers. There was little fear of attack or chance for combat. The fort was comfortable, in good condition, and there were few instances of extended fatigue duty.
