By: Hudson Keenan
When
much of the public thinks of "Indian reservations" they almost
invariably envision a remote, dusty location somewhere in the desert
southwest. It frequently surprises people when they learn that Michigan
has within its boundaries many Indian reservations. One of the earliest
and most historically interesting was founded in Isabella County in
1855. Unfortunately, the early history of the Isabella County
reservation is poorly documented and surrounded by considerable myth and
misinformation.
We hope that by presenting Mr. Keenan's research
regarding the reservation many of these myths and errors can be
corrected. Should readers disagree with Mr. Keenan's facts or
interpretation, we hope they will work toward documenting alternate
ideas and thus help create an even richer understanding of the Isabella
County reservation.
(click to enlarge)
About the Author:
Mr. Keenan is a long-time resident of Mount
Pleasant. He received his undergraduate education at Central Michigan
University and, until he retired, taught Earth Sciences in the Mt.
Pleasant Public Schools. He has also assumed a number of leadership
posts within the community, including serving as mayor. Throughout these
many activities he has nurtured an ongoing interest in the community's
past and as a result has researched a wide ranging body of publications
to learn more about Mount Pleasant. In turn, he has shared what he has
learned through a series of publications.
Mr. Keenan's wife Ann is also a graduate of
Central and before her retirement served as an educator both at the
University and within the public schools. Together they have raised four
children, and now enjoy their first grandchild.