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Month: August 2024

Beaver Island History: From Ancient Circles to Irish Settlers

Aerial view of Beaver Island Harbor courtesy of United State Coast Guard Archives

Ancient Stone Circles Beaver Island, known as “amikwag-endaad” by the Ojibwe, meaning “where the beavers live,” holds a deep connection to its ancient past. On this island, there are at least two significant stone circle sites. The most prominent being the Beaver Island Sun Circle (site no: 20CX65), also referred to as the Beaver Island Stone Circle or Beaver Island Stonehenge. This site features an unusually symmetrical stone circle with a diameter of 397 feet. It consists of approximately 39 to 150 stones and boulders of various sizes, some as large as 10 feet. These stones, some appearing to have… Read More »


Hugh J. Gray Cairn

Hugh J. Gray Cairn. Shows 2 sides. The side with the plaque and the side with the rubber for Wexford County

Hugh J. Gray may not be a household name, but his influence on Michigan’s tourism industry is profound and far-reaching. He saw the potential threat from Colorado’s burgeoning tourist industry. Colorado aimed to attract visitors from cities like Chicago and St. Louis, Gray made it his mission to ensure that Michigan didn’t lose out. In 1917, Gray, along with 75 other visionaries, gathered in West Michigan to form the Michigan Tourist and Resort Association (MTRA). Their goal was clear and focused. They wanted to promote the unique beauty and attractions of Michigan. To provide travelers with comprehensive information about the… Read More »