Bois Blanc Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bois Blanc Township, Michigan
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Satellite view of the Straits of Mackinac (Bois Blanc Township is the largest island)
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Location within Mackinac County
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 Bois Blanc Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Bois Blanc Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Mackinac |
| Established | 1895 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 48.72 sq mi (126.18 km2) |
| • Land | 35.11 sq mi (90.93 km2) |
| • Water | 13.61 sq mi (35.25 km2) |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 100 |
| • Density | 2.85/sq mi (1.10/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49775 (Pointe Aux Pins)
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| Area code(s) | 231 |
| FIPS code | 26-09500 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1625960 |
Bois Blanc Township is a small area in Mackinac County, Michigan. It is a type of local government called a civil township. In 2020, about 100 people lived there. This township is mostly on Bois Blanc Island. It also includes some smaller islands in Lake Huron. A nearby island, Round Island, is managed by the city of Mackinac Island.
The township has a very small school district called Bois Blanc Pines School District. It is one of the smallest school districts in Michigan. In the 2021–2022 school year, only four students were enrolled there.
Contents
History of Bois Blanc Township
The name "Bois Blanc" comes from the French words for "white wood." People think this name refers to either the paper birch tree or the basswood tree. The basswood's white inner bark was used by Native Americans and French fur traders. They used it to make ropes and to sew canoes. Bois Blanc is part of the traditional lands of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians.
Early Land Agreements
The local Anishinaabe (also known as Chippewa) people gave Bois Blanc to the U.S. government. This happened with the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. Chippewa Chief Menehwehna signed this treaty.
Island Development
For a long time, the island was used to get wood and lime. These materials were important for places like Mackinac Island. Later, in the late 1800s, Bois Blanc became a popular summer vacation spot. The Bois Blanc Light lighthouse was built in 1867 on the north side of the island. It no longer works as a lighthouse and is not open to visitors.
Geography and Location
Bois Blanc Township covers about 48.72 square miles (126.18 square kilometers). About 35.11 square miles (90.93 square kilometers) is land. The rest, about 13.61 square miles (35.25 square kilometers), is water.
Island Location
The township is located at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac. It is just north of the city of Cheboygan. Even though it is an island, it is considered part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Most of the Upper Peninsula uses area code 906. However, Bois Blanc Township is special because it uses area code 231.
Michigan's Island Townships
Bois Blanc Township is one of only seven places in Michigan that are made up entirely of islands. The other island townships include Grosse Ile Township, Drummond Township, St. James Township, Mackinac Island, Peaine Township, and Sugar Island Township.
It is important not to confuse this island with another Bois Blanc Island. That island is in Canada, located in the Detroit River much further south. That Canadian island is sometimes called "Boblo."
Communities on Bois Blanc Island
- Bois Blanc Island is a historic settlement on the island. Its original Native American name, Mikobiminiss, also means "white wood." A post office named Bois Blanc started here in 1884.
- Pointe Aux Pins is a small, undeveloped community on the southern coast of Bois Blanc Island. The name means "pine point" in French. A post office was set up here in 1889. This post office uses the 49775 ZIP Code. This ZIP Code covers the entire township.
- Sand Bay was once a logging settlement. It had a sawmill and a general store. A post office operated in Sand Bay starting in 1909, but it is no longer open.
Population and People
The population of Bois Blanc Township changes throughout the year. In 2000, 71 people lived there year-round. By the 2020 census, the population grew to 100 people. However, about 2,000 people visit the island, especially in the summer.
Population Changes Over Time
Here is how the population has changed over the years:
- 1900: 225 people
- 1910: 219 people
- 1920: 68 people
- 1930: 76 people
- 1940: 80 people
- 1950: 42 people
- 1960: 45 people
- 1970: 28 people
- 1980: 62 people
- 1990: 59 people
- 2000: 71 people
- 2010: 95 people
- 2020: 100 people
Household Information
In 2000, there were 42 households. About 7% of these households had children under 18. Many households were made up of single individuals. The average age of people living in the township was 57 years old. In 2021, the average household income was estimated to be $69,167.
Getting Around the Township
Bois Blanc Township does not have any paved roads. There is a main county road that goes from the northeast part of the island to the far western tip. There are also many other unmaintained roads and trails.
Travel to the Island
To get to the island, people use ferry boats. These ferries connect the island to Cheboygan. The ferry docks at Pointe aux Pins. The township also has a paved airstrip called Bois Blanc Island Airport. This airport can be used by private planes.
