Our History: The Queen of the Great Lakes

The USCGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83) served as the primary heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes for 62 years, establishing a legacy of service crucial to American industry and commerce. Her story is one of wartime necessity, technological innovation, and six decades duty.

Born of Necessity: The World War II Mandate

The United States Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW WAGB-83 was built as part of the war effort during World War II to meet the heavy demands placed on industry for an increase in production of war materials. Tremendous increases in the movement of iron ore, limestone and coal for the nation’s steel mills were particularly necessary. In order to keep tonnage on the move into the winter months an icebreaker was needed. Congress authorized construction of MACKINAW on December 17, 1941, ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Funds were provided from a Special Presidential Fund used to expedite desirable projects.

MACKINAW was built in Toledo, Ohio at a cost of ten million dollars. The keel was laid on March 20th, 1943 at the Toledo Shipbuilding Company, which had won the contract. Various delays in completion involved such heavy penalties that the firm was forced into bankruptcy and the contract was taken over by the American Shipbuilding and Dry-dock Company. The hull was launched March 4th, 1944 and MACKINAW was commissioned on December 30th, 1944. Cheboygan remained her home port her entire life.

Six Decades of Service: Breaking the Ice Barrier

The MACKINAW was immediately instrumental in its mission: maintaining the flow of commerce across all five Great Lakes.

For over six decades, she was the key element in extending the shipping season, maintaining vital waterways in the Straits of Mackinac and across Lake Superior. Without the MACKINAW, hundreds of freighters carrying millions of tons of cargo would have been locked in the ice, severely impacting the nation’s economy and industrial output.

Her active career was defined by:

• Year-Round Commerce: Ensuring shipping could continue well past the traditional seasonal closing, often allowing early and late season passages that were vital for industry.
• Search and Rescue: While primarily an icebreaker, the MACKINAW often assisted in critical search and rescue operations across the lakes.

A Lasting Legacy

After a remarkable 62-year career, the original USCGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83) was decommissioned in 2006. Today, she is permanently moored at the old railroad dock in Mackinaw City, where she continues her service as the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum (IMMM).

By touring her decks, you walk in the footsteps of the men and women who kept the heart of American industry beating, ensuring that the Great Lakes remained a highway of commerce, even in the depths of winter.