St. Ignace’s yacht harbor is easily seen from a distance now that a
new lighthouse is installed at the end of the public pier.
The city itself is important to the novel. Chief’s Tribal Police Station is located north of St. Ignace.
When Chief travels to visit Tawny’s mother, Laura, on the island, he either takes the Star Line ferry or
hitches a ride on the Coast Guard’s launch.
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In this photo, the Star Line ferry leaves the Railroad Dock and turns toward the Main Dock.
The landscape of St. Ignace changed forever in the predawn hours of August 3rd, 2012.
The foundation of the old railroad track elevator for the rail ferry “Chief Wawatam”
(seen on the left side of this photo) gave way and
left a pile of iron and timber rubble in its wake.
It was a distinguishing feature and historical remnant on the city’s waterfront. The actual
historical figure, Chief Wawatam, and his heroic actions are mentioned in the novel.
Mackinac Postings 