Before the Settlers

Before the Settlers. . , Indians of early copper culture occupied the Bays de Noc over 5,000 years ago. We know when French explorers came to this area, they were greeted by members of the Noke tribe. The Nokes territory extended from north Green Bay and the Bays de Noc northward to the south shore of Lake Superior. Because of the short growing season, the Nokes were mainly hunters, fishermen and gatherers, not agriculturists. Doing the summer, a band lived here in Escanaba because of the good fishing the Bays de Noc offered. Come autumn, they seperated into family units and each used a section of the band's territory to hunt. As increased numbers of traders and white settlers came, the Noke tribe dwindled in population and lost their identity as they became lumped with the Chippewa. The Nokes are now usually regarded as the Bear clan of the Chippewa, the name meaning "Bear Foot". , , Here on Sand Point, a grave said to be Chief Tacoosh was discovered in 1901. The excavated historic artifacts are now on display at the Delta County Historic Museum.