Situated along M-22 on the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula, Peshawbestown is between Suttons Bay, to the south, and Northport, in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
The unincorporated community is within the reservation of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and houses its tribal offices. The Grand Traverse Band is one of three federally recognized tribes of Ottawa (Ojibwa) people in Michigan, the others being the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, both recognized in 1994. Referring to themselves as the Anishinaabeg or the Three Fires Confederacy, the Grand Traverse Band includes members of the Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi people, who were historically a part of the Confederacy.
Besides Suttons Bay and Northport, the only other incorporated city or village within twenty-five miles of Peshawbestown is Traverse City, just over twenty-one miles to the south, although the unincorporated communities of Omena and Lake Leelanau are within ten miles.
The economic base of Peshawbestown is tourism, the primary contributor being the Leelanau Sands Casino. The tribe hosts its annual Peshawbestown Pow-Wow each August, which includes native foods, tribal art, and dancing.
Originating as a Catholic Mission, the dates and some of the facts surrounding its founding are in dispute. At various times, in various reports, Peshawbestown has been referred to as Pshawbatown, Peshawbeston, Peshabetown, Preshabestown, Peshaube, and Eagletown.
According to a 1911 article in the Detroit Free Press, the town was formed around 1850 as a Catholic mission to the Chippewa and Ottawa people, and named for a local chieftain. The article describes the town as two long rows of log cabins, built in 1849, and Father Ignatius Mrak is credited as the founder after he brought a group of Chippewa from Sault Ste. Marie to inhabit the village.
However, the Catholic Encyclopedia asserts that the mission was founded by Father Angelus Van Praemel in 1852, as a Catholic mission to the Ottawas, and that Father Mrak succeeded him in 1855, at which time the mission's name was changed to Eagletown.
Walter Romig wrote that Father Mrak's successor, the Rev. Philip Zorn, called the mission Peshaube, after Chief Peshaba, its ruling chief, and that the Rev. Bruno Torka, who was next in charge, called it Peshabeston.
The Manistee & Northeast Railroad built an extension of its line from Traverse City to Northport in the early 1900s, with passenger service beginning in 1903, although no station was established at Peshawbestown.
The focus of this portion of our web guide is on the unincorporated community known as Peshawbestown, which includes the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and any tribal resources or departments, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, entertainment venues, and recreational opportunities.
Recommended Resources
Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, the Center provides a Head Start program for 3-5 year-olds, Early Head Start programs for 0-3 year-olds, and child care programs, which are highlighted here, along with applications and forms, current job openings, announcements, and links to various other online resources, and a list of local food pantries. Classroom updates, the address, a map showing its location, and the telephone number of the facilities are posted on the site.
https://benodjenhcenter.weebly.com/
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
The Grand Traverse Band is one of three federally recognized tribes of the Odawa people in Michigan. The official tribal site introduces the members of the tribal council members, legal council, and gaming commission. The tribal manager, departments, and membership election board are set forth, public information is published, and the tribal court judges and appellate court are identified. Funeral notices, statutes and ordinances are included, and a member login is available.
https://www.gtbindians.org/
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Heritage Library
The Heritage Library provides a collection of books focusing on Native American literature including self-help, childcare, children's books, nature and arts, graphic novels, biographies, language, and several other topics, as well as audiotapes, videotapes, CD-ROMs, reference books, periodicals, subscriptions, and Internet access, open to the community and located at the Life Long Learning building in Peshawbestown. Its hours, location, and contacts are included.
https://gtbindians.booksys.net/opac/gtbindians/
Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos
Three distinct properties, located on tribal property, in the Peshawbestown community, the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, the Leelanau Sands Casino & lodge, and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa are featured here. Serving visitors and the community, the properties provided stability for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Each of these properties is highlighted, with address, hours, and other details, community partnerships are stated, and links to media contacts are included.
https://www.gtresortcasinos.com/
Situated on the Leelanau Peninsula, the facility includes more than three hundred and fifty slot machines, table games, and sports betting kiosks, as well as several guest rooms and suites, including Bayview rooms, Standard rooms, Suites, and Handicapped-accessible rooms, which are featured here, along with a list of amenities, rates, and online bookings. Dining options include an on-site restaurant and bar, which are also described here. Contacts and career opportunities are posted.
https://www.leelanausandscasino.com/
