Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1875-07-17

SATURDAY, JULY II, 1875.
SKETCHES OF CHEBOYGAN
NDeTICIEITY.

1t is designed by the writer to present
in several sketches, such facts of historic
and present value, as may assist in pro-
noting the growing interest which is
being manifest for Cheboygan and yicin-
! ty.
! The location of Cheboygan is near the
Northern extremity of the lower Penin-
Isular of Michigan; at the entrance OF the
South passage, which connects thewaters
lof Lake Huron with the Straits of Mack
inaw.
More than two hundred years. have
elapsed since this region was explored
by a white man. Before Detroit was fOun-
ded, the illustriOus Father, James Mar
quette, had visited the Straits and found
ed th, mission of ST. Ignace, about the
year 1870, on the point of land which
now bears the same name, and forms the
Northern shore of the straits. With ar
dent zeal and enthusiasm Marquette
planned and partially .executed AN ex-
tensive missionary work among the In
dians. Starting from Quebec ne follow
ed the line of the lakes, noting sites for
prospective mission stations.
The geography Of the country was
sufficiently understood to indicate the
straits of Mackinaw as being the con-
verging point of the great lakes. Says
Marquette: "This place is the most
noted in these regions for the abundance
| of its fisheries, for according to the In
dian saying, this is the home of the
fishes 1t is this attraction which
has heretofore drawn to point so adj
vantageous, the greater part Of the saw
ages in this country"
This fact was frequently illustrated by
the large convocations of Indian tribes
who came from the adjacent regions OF
territory which now comprise several
states. This was also the rallying point
for such tribes as were uniting in de-
fense or aggression against a common
| foe.
The sagaciOus Marquette was quick to
perceive that this geographical and tri-
bal center was the most effective position
for a center mission, from which he could
proiectradiating lines of communications
to eYefs loint.of the compass, and eX-
81 sis missionary conquests to remote
: --,rs His early death prevented the
realization of his plans. The successive
conqnests and occupation of this region
by the French, English and Americans,
give to it diversified history, the events
of which, at the time, exerted a marked
influence upon the country at large.
During the preceding conflicts, and
| war of 1912, the commanders of the
English and American forces justly
deemed the control of the straits mat
ter of great Importance, hence the artful
stratagems, sudden encounters, and SAN
culinary conflicts which eliminated in
the capture of the Island of Mackinaw
by the British in 1912, and their lsurren-
der of the same to the Americans in 1915.
Outlines of the Notifications can be traced
at the present day. The advantages of
the region of the straits as central po-
sition was demonstrated by Marquette,
and in later years appreciated by John
Jacob Astor, OF New York, who, as the
directing mind of the Astor Fur COM
pany, located at Mackinaw island his
headaual4ers for the distribution of
suppliss,to his agents, and for the recep-
ton qffurs.
Ihe same point-was for many years
the government station for the annual
fassemblage Of Indians to receive their
annliities.
| Mackinaw island thus possesses much
historical interest, and is annually visited
by large numbers oftourists and pleasure
seekers. - 49,
| By recent act of Congress, tract OF
the island is reserved as national park.
and will doubtless attain to national
REPUTATION.
During the last fifty years the on-roll-
ing tide of emigration has converted the
once wilderness west, into an EN- pire OF
intelligent and energetic people.
1t is fact frequently noted that emf
grafton usually proceeds on nearly the
same lines of latitude. The region of the
straits of NiacIinaw is north OF the lati-
tude of the greater part of New Eng
land and the Middle states. consequently
it has, until recently, remained compare
lively unknown to the enigrating popu-
latiOn.
Gen. Hazen, Of the u. S. army, who is
stationed in the territories, recently pub
lished an article which attracted wide
| attention. 1t is descriptive of the unoc
Iupied resources of our country. AS the
result of personal inspection he affirms
that the regions in the West, best suited
for agriculture, are taken up by indi
viduals and corporations. This state
ment being true, it will cease to b.
said that ssUncle Sam is rich enough
! to give us all a, farm Most of tht
/ remaining government land ssaid to b,
jof:an inferior quality and it is demon
| strated in many instances that settle.
docs much better to purchase goet
\ land at a fair price than to take poo
land as gift. The tide of emigration
4 must now spread to the South and th,
| North. The trunk line of railroads ar,
| slowly pushing their branches toward
\ the North and the South, thus creatin.
new centers Of migration. That !
current of emigration is likely 10 Sc