The Lakshore at Terry Andrae State Park: An Historical Interpretation

Abstract

This study presented an historical interpretation of the lakeshore at Terry Andrae State Park from prehistoric times (pre 1634 A.D.) to the establishment of Terry Andrae state Park in 1929. The researcher utilized primary and secondary sources to investigate the Indian history, fur trade, settlement, marine history, and the establishment of the park, The following conclusions were made regarding the role of people along the lakeshore: 1) The early Indian inhabitants were attracted to the lakeshore as a source of sustenance, specifically to obtain fish from Lake Michigan, 2) The European-Americans in the 1800's viewed the lakeshore as a source of industrial wealth in the utilization of fish and fur bearing mammals, 3) The first white settlers were attracted to the lakeshore for its fishery resources and developed small f&liily owned fisheries and communities that were dependent on commercial fishing for their eXistence, 4) The escalation of lakeshore land values after WW I was the result of increased demand for recreational land 5) The park's establishment was the result of the idea that the lakeshore had value as a source of social and psychological well being for the State's populace.