The following is an excerpt from “The History of Leelanau Township” by The Leelanau Township Historical Writers Group.
Leelanau means “delight of life,” according to historian, Dr. Milo M. Quaife, was a Chippewa maiden in one of the tales of Schoolcraft. Just as the name “Leelanau” has an interesting Indian heritage, Leelanau Township has an unusual historical heritage.
In 1840, Grand Traverse County was erected from Mackinaw County. The Grand Traverse Bay region at this time was practically one big county, including the counties we now call Antrim, Benzie, and Leelanau. Later, in 1853 the territory of both Benzie and Leelanau constituted one township called “Leelanau” within Grand Traverse County. In 1853, the first township meeting was held at the home of Peter Dougherty.
