Isle Royale

Images of America: Michigan

by Jessica J. Poirier, Richard E. Taylor

This history of Isle Royale traces almost 5,000 years of human efforts to harvest its natural resources. From the Paleo-Indians who extracted native copper to the 19th-century miners, fishermen, farmers, and sportsmen, this isle apart has been visited, mined, and plundered for centuries. Under the protection of the National Park Service since 1940, the island is returning to the natural regime that preceded the arrival of the first humans. Moose, wolves, and bald eagles now share the island with low-impact campers and boaters. The reader will visit the lighthouses, steamships, fish camps, and resorts and the people of the last two centuries who left their footprints on this jewel of Lake Superior.

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2007

Reviews

[Bonnie Carlson-Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors cover a wide range of historical topics related to Isle Royale but with more photos than written content. Nonetheless, it made for a fascinating (albeit quick) read during our backpacking trip and I learned a lot m

[Chelsea Rapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on my ferry ride to and from Isle Royals. I enjoyed learning more about the national park.

Note: According to the ranger I talked to there are now only 18 mammals on the island and of that 6 different bats.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valuable mostly for the historically significant photos. Especially good on the earliest days of the National Park and the work of the CCC.