The Old Indian Trail is a historic trail in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, running for roughly 55 miles (89 km) between Cadillac and Traverse City. In use since as early as 600 BCE by the Hopewell civilization,[1] the Old Indian Trail began to be used regularly by the Anishinaabe in the 13th century, and was largely used until European settlement in the 1800s. Today, the trail no longer exists, but its location is marked by 33 white stone markers.[2]
Route
editThe Old Indian Trail began along the shore of Lake Mitchell near Cadillac, and ran northwesterly past the modern-day communities of Boon and Meauwataka before reaching the Manistee River. Here, a massive log jam allowed for travelers to cross the river, continuing north past present-day Buckley, Hannah, and Chums Corner. The trail then descended northerly into Traverse City, where it ended at the shore of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan.[3][4]
Trail markers
editThere are 33 markers along the Old Indian Trail. Each marker is a pentagonal white stone slab, painted with its corresponding number, and featuring a small plaque reading "OLD INDIAN TRAIL CADILLAC TO TRAVERSE CITY". A number of these markers are located along major roadways, while some are on private property.
In 1940, Cadillac residents Milo Petoskey Crosby and Jim Pontiac planted the first 14 markers, between Lake Mitchell and the Manistee River. In the 1960s, the next five markers were placed by local residents Ed Babcock and James Comp. In 1987, the final 14 markers, between Buckley and Traverse City, were placed by former chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Frank Ettawageshik.[5]
References
edit- ^ Ettawageshik, Frank (April 25, 2018). "Old Indian Trail - Cadillac to Traverse City". Cadillac, Michigan Area Visitors Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "Old Indian Trail". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "Old Indian Trail Cadillac to Traverse City". Google My Maps. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ Restless Viking (May 14, 2023). 33 Mystery Markers in Northern Michigan - follow the trail from Cadillac to Traverse City. Retrieved August 24, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Record-Eagle, LORAINE ANDERSON landerson@record-eagle comTraverse City (September 8, 2013). "Scout rescues Old Indian Trail markers from oblivion". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved August 24, 2024.