Michigan is the only state in the union composed of two separate peninsulas. At their closest point, the Upper and Lower Peninsulas are only five miles apart. In the early 20th century, the only way to travel the five miles of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron was to take a boat ride from one shore to the other. With the expansion of commercial activities and the growth of industry, the demand for crossing the lakes for travel and commercial purposes has grown. The only way to cross the lake was via a ferry service, which failed to meet consumer demand. Michigan residents were unable to obtain convenient and frequent transportation between the peninsulas. They needed a consistent, fast and safe way to travel freely from the mainland to the Upper Peninsula. In response, construction of a five-mile-long suspension bridge was begun to connect the peninsulas. The construction of the Mackinac Bridge had great significance to the national economy, the field of engineering, the efficiency of travel, and the historical symbolism of the state of Michigan. The first and most challenging problem associated with the construction of the Mackinac Bridge came long before the bridge was even designed. Financing such a huge project was no easy feat. In 1928, the idea of ​​connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas was first proposed to Congress (Brown 4). At the time, the alleged bridge project was under heavy scrutiny and scrutiny by the government. In fact, the initial surge in interest in building a bridge occurred precisely because of the Depression. The Public Works Administration (PWA) had been created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal economic plan, which would finance certain construction projects featuring the Mackinac Bridge. He is now known to Michigan residents as "Mighty Mac". Over the years, the Mighty Mac has seen several iconic story moments, including a marriage proposal in the emergency lane and the sudden birth of a baby halfway across the bridge. With each new story, the Mackinac Bridge becomes more steeped in Michigan history and becomes an even greater symbol of the Great Lakes state. The bridge is now a common event venue. The annual "bridge walk" attracts more than 50,000 participants each Labor Day weekend, but other groups have organized various crossings. Everything from Harley Davidson motorcycle rallies to organized Chevrolet Corvette rides have taken place on the Mighty Mac, as have a plethora of cycling groups. The Mackinac Bridge offers a thrilling passage between the peninsulas and has become the portrait of Michigan.