1957 Map of Northport

About this map

Grand Traverse Light stands at the northernmost tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, marking the transition from the open waters of Lake Michigan into the shelter of Grand Traverse Bay. This mid-century coastal landscape is characterized by its cherry-growing heritage and maritime navigation, with significant cultural landmarks such as Peshawbestown and Ahgosatown situated along the eastern shoreline. The map reveals a deeply etched topography where small drainages like Weaver Creek and Ennis Creek flow into Northport Bay. Inland, the map captures the rural life of the era through scattered landmarks like St Wenceslaus Ch, the Indian Ch, and Woolsey Landing Field. From the working docks of Gills Pier to the protected waters of New Mission Bay, the peninsula's settlement patterns are clearly defined by its relationship with the water and the surrounding Leelanau terrain.