Created from: Unorganized.
Boundary finalized: 1863
Population: 1900 = 10,556 | 2000 = 22,301 (8,206 in 1930)
Leelanau County, located in the "little finger" of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a history deeply intertwined with Native American heritage, European settlement, and the rise of its modern economy centered on agriculture, tourism, and natural beauty. [GEM]
Native American Inhabitants: The area was originally inhabited by the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi, collectively known as the Council of Three Fires. Their ancestors ceded the land to the U.S. in the 1836 Treaty of Washington.
Naming: The name "Leelanau" is believed to be a term created by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, an Indian agent and geographer, or his wife, Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, who used it as a pen name in her writings. While traditionally said to mean "delight of life," it's more accurately a coined term rather than a historical Native American word.
Formation: The Michigan Legislature set off Leelanau as a county in 1840, though it was not fully organized until 1863. For a time, it was attached to Grand Traverse County for governmental purposes.
County Seat: The county seat was originally in Northport, but it was moved to Leland in 1883 and later to Suttons Bay Township in 2008.
Pioneer Life: The first European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century. Early communities like Leland, Northport, and Glen Arbor were established as hubs for the burgeoning logging and fishing industries. These settlements were often connected by steamships and schooners on the Great Lakes, which brought both settlers and goods to the area.
Logging and Fishing: The 19th century saw a boom in the timber industry, with sawmills and lumber operations being a major part of the local economy. Fishing was also a significant livelihood, and historic Fishtown in Leland remains a testament to this past.
Agriculture and Orchards: As the forests were cleared, agriculture became a dominant force. The climate, moderated by Lake Michigan, proved ideal for growing fruit, especially cherries. Today, Leelanau County is a national leader in cherry production and has also become famous for its many wineries, which thrive due to its location on the 45th parallel.
Tourism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county's stunning natural landscapes began to attract tourists. The development of resorts and summer cottages transformed the area into a popular vacation destination. The establishment of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 1970 was a pivotal moment, preserving much of the area's natural beauty and further solidifying its status as a major tourist hub.
Leelanau County's economy continues to rely on a blend of tourism, agriculture, and a growing wine industry. Its unique geographic location and commitment to preserving its natural environment have made it one of Michigan's most popular and scenic regions.
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
