Merritt Camp

Merritt Lane



Merritt Cottage, 1935: Wolbrink [Sheet 036, Photo B], ISRO Archives.

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lfred Merritt was from Duluth, and discovered Isle Royale as a 19 year old deck hand in 1866. He later worked at the Island Mine Company in Siskiwit Bay, and began camping at Blake Point, on what is now known as "Merritt Island." He began buying Isle Royale islands in 1908 - shortly after the recently-surveyed islands had been made available for purchase through auction in Marquette, Michigan. Merritt bought a number of islands in Tobin, Duncan, and Rock Harbors, and in Siskiwit Bay. With his family's help, Merritt built his first house on Merritt Island in 1911.

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Help Tell The Story

Are you related to this family? Would you be willing to share stories or photos associated with related events? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please contact the Cultural Resource Manager at Isle Royale National Park. Or write to:

Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1896
906-482-0984

Citations

  1. Franks, Kathryn E. and Arnold R. Alanen, 1999. Historic Structures at Isle Royale National Park: Historic Contexts and Associated Property Types. Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Madison, January 1999.

  2. Newland, Dave. 2003. Executive Summary of the Merritt Life Lease. Isle Royale National Park. Houghton, MI.