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Michigan History Digest

Welcome Home, Michigander!

This Month in Michigan History
The First Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk

On September 7, 1959, Michigan Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams led the first official Labor Day pedestrian walk across the brand-new Mackinac Bridge. The annual walk became a statewide tradition, celebrating the “Mighty Mac” and Michigan unity – attracting tens of thousands each Labor Day.

2009 Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.
2009 Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.
Source: www.mackinacbridge.org

Michigan History Fast Facts

  1.  The 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. When built, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages.
  2.  The first bridge walk took place in June 1958, during the bridge's dedication ceremony, with just 68 walkers.
  3.  In 1959, the walk was moved to Labor Day, and Michigan’s governors have since led each Labor Day bridge walk.
  4.  In 1992, then-President George H. W. Bush, then-First Lady Barbara Bush, and then-Michigan Governor John Engler took part in the bridge walk.
  5.  The only time the bridge walk has been cancelled was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan Trivia Question

On Sept. 7th, 1992 the largest bridge walk took place with how many estimated walkers in attendance?
 
A.   65,000
B.   75,000
C.   85,000
D.   95,000
 
Think you know the answer?
Make your guess and find the answer at the end of this week's digest.

Michigan Quote of the Week

"We're grateful to see so many people ready for the latest "Big Mac Attack." We're going across this thing." 
- President George H.W. Bush's remarks at the Mackinac Bridge Walk in 1992

Michigan History Spotlight
Mackinac Bridge Authority

Created by state law in 1934 (reorganized 1950), the Mackinac Bridge Authority operates Michigan’s five-mile Bridge across the Straits of Mackinac. Based in St. Ignace, it manages construction and maintenance of the iconic “Mighty Mac” between the peninsulas.

Learn More @ www.mackinacbridge.org/history/history-of-the-bridge

My Michigan Reflection

Was I the only one that didn't know a sitting President of the United States once took part in the Mackinac Bridge walk? How cool is that! I honestly couldn't believe it at first, so I may have double... okay quadruple checked.

Did this Michigan history spark a memory? Share a photo, a story, or your thoughts on Michigan’s past — and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @WelcomeHomeHistory


Until Next Week

Thank you for reading our example issue of Michigan History Digest. We're glad you stopped by. Subscribe today and get Michigan History Digest each Sunday. — Zac and the Welcome Home History Team
 
Michigan Trivia Answer:   
C.   85,000

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