Historical Marker at site of Gros Cap Cemetery.

Copied in part from the Gros Cap Cemetery, Mackinac County Michigan
by Mrs. Emerson (Margaret) Smith, St. Ignace, Reprinted from "Michigan Heritage", Winter 1961, Volume III No. 2, Kalamazoo, Michigan

The exact date of this cemetery's origin is unknown, but from numerous discoveries and all evidence obtainable it is safe to say that it was first used by residents of the Ottawa settlement which existed on this shore in the 17th century. Gros Cap Cemetery is reputed to the the oldest cemetery in continuous use in the United States. It was undoubtedly one of the largest Indian congregations of the Old Northwest and prospered during the early fur trapping time. In recognition of the significant history of the vicinity, a marker was erected which can be seen from the highway. The text of this marker was prepared after a long study by the Michilimackinac Historical Society. It reads:

Ottawa Indian Village
Here on West Moran Bay, a large 17th century Ottawa village was directly connected by trail and water with Michilimackinac center on Moran Bay, Lake Huron. Both bays were named for Trader Morin whose post was at this settlement. The original burial ground serves the community today. Erected by The Township of Moran, 1960, at the ancient campfire site. (Approved by the Michilimackinac Historical Society).

Apparently Schoolcraft had this old burial ground in mind when he passed the area in 1824, and wrote, "We camped in wide sandy bay in the Straits of Mackinac. We found in the sand, stumps of cedar pickets forming an antique enclosure which had been founded at the time of the Mission of St. Ignace, over 250 years ago".

Gros Cap Cemetery Block & Lot Map