This type was named for the Mackinaw- Aldrich Cache was discovered on the banks of the Mackinaw River in Tazewell County, Illinois.  These points were originally referred to as Aldrich points after Frank W. Aldrich who collected the points.  They were later referred to as Mackinaw points after the river they were found near.

There has never been any scientific data supporting an age of these points, but they are thought to be a unique style of the Snyder’s point and be related to the Hopewell culture.  There are many differences between this type and the Snyder’s type.  The Mackinaw points are considered fragile, being very thin and of a large size.  The notching is deep.  These points are thought to represent an art form or fulfill a ceremonial purpose because they are too fragile to be used as knifes or serve any real utilitarian purpose.