As one of the oldest European settlements in Michigan, Saint Ignace has roots dating back to 1671 when French Jesuit, Father Marquette made his from Sault Ste. Marie what is now Saint Ignace. Prior to Saint Ignace becoming a European settlement it was largely occupied by Native Americans, specifically the Wyandott, Ojibwe, and Ottawa tribes.

According to Lake Superior State the fur trade era followed making Saint Ignace a bustling community for fur trading. Fort du Baude, was established as a French stronghold in the region. The fur trade brought an economic boost and remained until the British defeated the French in the Seven Year War.

Saint Ignace history discusses how in the early 19th century the focus shifted from fur trading to logging due to the plethora of trees in the area and commercial fishing with substantial populations of white fish. The increase of transportation to the region brought on an increase in ferry traffic, specifically the Chief Wawatam that transported rail cars. In the winter time people just braved walking across the ice.

Towards the end of the 1800s the discussion began for building a bridge between the upper and lower peninsula. This project took several decades before the building ever began. At nearly 100 million dollars to build the Mackinac Bridge and construction because in 1954. Mackinac Bridge Authority goes on to discuss how this project took just over three years and was opened in 1957.