👑 James Strang’s Reign Begins
In 1843, James Jesse Strang took the first steps toward becoming one of the most unusual figures in American religious and political history. That year, he settled in Burlington, Wisconsin, and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ambitious, intelligent, and charismatic, Strang would soon find himself at the center of a power struggle. That struggle would see him crowned as the only King in U.S. history.
Just one year after his conversion, Mormon leader Joseph Smith was murdered. While most followers chose Brigham Young to lead them westward, Strang claimed to have a letter from Smith naming him the true successor. With a small but loyal following, Strang led his sect to Voree, Wisconsin—and then to Beaver Island, a remote outpost in northern Lake Michigan. There, Strang declared divine guidance had led him to establish a new Zion.
By 1848, the Beaver Island colony was growing steadily. Strang produced brass plates he claimed to have translated with divine help—mirroring Smith’s Book of Mormon origin story. As the settlement expanded, Strang’s grip tightened. Tensions with “gentiles” (non-Mormons) on the island reached a peak during the “War of Whiskey Point,” which Strang’s followers won with cannon fire. Most non-Mormons left the island shortly afterward.
Coronation Ceremony
Then came July 8, 1850. In a lavish ceremony, James Strang was crowned King of Beaver Island, complete with royal robes and a crown made by his followers. Though the U.S. had no tolerance for monarchy, Strang maintained that he was both a prophet and a divinely appointed ruler.
Despite his controversial religious teachings—such as polygamy—and accusations of authoritarian control, Strang’s followers held significant political sway. In 1853, thanks to the large Mormon population on and around Beaver Island, he was elected to the Michigan state legislature. From there, he funneled resources and influence back to his island “kingdom.”
Dethroning of a King
Strang’s downfall came quickly. By 1855, enemies were circling—local officials, disillusioned followers, and rival power brokers. On June 16, 1856, two former followers shot Strang on a dock in St. James, the island’s main village. He lingered for three weeks before dying, leaving no successor.
With Strang dead, a mob—many from nearby Mackinac Island—descended on Beaver Island. In what one historian has called “the most disgraceful day in Michigan history,” the Mormons were forced aboard steamships at gunpoint, stripped of their belongings, and dispersed across Great Lakes ports. Their years of work—clearing land, building homes, and creating a functioning community—were for naught.
Today, Beaver Island is a quiet, remote tourist destination. But if you dig a little into its past, you’ll find the wild and improbable tale of a lawyer-turned-prophet who became the King of a Michigan island. James Strang’s legacy is one of vision, controversy, and a cautionary tale of religious and political power run amok.
Historical Marker
Mormon Kingdom
Statehood Era (1815-1860) – Registered in 1957 and erected in 1957 – ID #S136
Located at the City Dock Park, Charlevoix – Lat: 45.31805500 / Long: -85.25833200
About twenty miles northwest of here is Beaver Island. In 1847 James Strang set up a colony for his followers, dissenters from the main body of Mormonism. Strang crowned himself “King James” in 1850. Hatred of the sect by non-Mormons led to the Battle of Pine River in 1853 at present-day Charlevoix. On June 16, 1856, because they hated his authoritarian rule, some of Strang’s subjects mortally wounded him. Later in the summer, mainlanders drove the Mormons from Beaver Island.
Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.
