The following is an excerpt from “A History of Leelanau Township” published by the Leelanau Township Historical Writers Group In 1850 the Indians were able to become full citizens of the State of Michigan provided they gave up their allegiance to any tribe. They were allowed to buy government lands, settle them and to vote in any elections the same as their fellow white citizens. The Old Mission Peninsula was exempt from settlement, probably because of the established mission and government supported blacksmith’s and farmer’s operations. The Leelanau was put on the market for Indian and whites alike.
When Rev. Smith embarked on the northern shore to set up his permanent residence, he chose to settle in a beautiful, peaceful cove on the eastern side of the peninsula, a place chosen for its natural harbor, abundant hard woods and freshwater creek, the same location where the village of Northport is today.
There were no Indians living at this particular location before his arrival. He began to resurvey the land himself, helping his special friend, Peter Wakazoo, select sites for himself and members of his family.
