Cass and Schoolcraft’s 1820 Expedition

Exploring the Unknown – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

In the early 1800s, Michigan had a bit of an image problem. The eastern folks weren’t eager to settle there—rumors of swampy land, poor soil, and an unpleasant climate didn’t exactly scream “dream homestead.” So Michigan Territorial Governor Lewis Cass decided to do something about it. On May 24, 1820, Cass teamed up with geologist Henry Schoolcraft and launched the first major American expedition to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, aiming to rewrite the narrative—and maybe pick up a few useful minerals along the way.

The Cass/Schoolcraft Expedition was more than just a sightseeing tour. It was a serious mission to map the land, study its natural resources, assess its people (including Native American tribes), and chart a course for Michigan’s future. The crew was a diverse bunch, traveling in three canoes: 10 soldiers, two interpreters, a doctor, nine Native Americans, a geographer, a reporter, a private secretary, and eventually, 23 more soldiers joined them at Mackinac Island.

Making Stops Along the Way

The group made notable stops throughout the region, including Sault Ste. Marie, where Cass boldly tore down a British flag flying over a Native American village—symbolically reinforcing American sovereignty. They also visited what we now know as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and followed the Ontonagon River, eyeing mineral potential and documenting the landscape.

Eventually, the party split: some headed toward Wisconsin, others made their way to Fort Dearborn (modern-day Chicago), and the rest returned to Detroit, either by water or via the rugged Old Sauk Trail. Through swamps, forests, and across vast waters, the expedition not only mapped uncharted territory but also planted the seeds for Michigan’s image as a land of opportunity.

Culture and Curiosity

Perhaps just as significant, Schoolcraft’s fascination with Native American culture was born on this trip. He would go on to become a leading ethnologist and continue exploring the upper Mississippi basin in future expeditions. The Cass/Schoolcraft Expedition marked a turning point, both in Michigan’s development and in America’s westward curiosity.This journey was a blend of scientific discovery, political strategy, and personal ambition. Cass got his PR win, Schoolcraft found his life’s calling, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stepped onto the national stage as more than just backwoods wilderness. It was, and remains, a place of rugged beauty and rich potential—one that started turning heads back in 1820 thanks to a few determined paddlers and a whole lot of curiosity.

Learn more about the rich history of the Central Upper Peninsula, Western Upper Peninsula or Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.