Native Americans and Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, located between the United States and Canada. It is the third-largest Great Lake by surface area and fifth-largest by volume. It is the only Great Lake that is entirely within the bounds of the United States. According to the best available evidence, the lake was most likely named by the original inhabitants of the area, the Native Americans. These Native Americans likely had a name for the lake before European explorers ever reached the area, though it is not known what this name was.
In the Late 17th century, after the exploration of the French, many of the major rivers, lakes, islands and ports in the region became known under French names. Lake Michigan was named Lac des Puans by French explorer Father RenéRobert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. According to La Salle, the name was taken from the Native American people of the area, the Puants, who the French believed must have named the lake. Puans was most likely the name of an alliance or confederacy of tribes in the area, rather than a single tribe.
However, it is not known whether the Puans or some other tribe was the one who originally named Lake Michigan. It is possible that the name “Lac des Puans” was given to the lake by the French as an attempt to honor the Native Americans who lived in the region. Without any further research into the history of the Native American people in the area, it is unlikely that the original name of Lake Michigan will ever be known for certain.
The History of the European Names of Lake Michigan
The French were not the only Europeans to explore and name the lake. The lake was originally named “Lac Michigan” by German-born Jesuit missionary Father Claude Allouez in the mid-17th century. Prior to this, French explorers also referred to the lake as “Lac de Saint Esprit”. In the early 18th century, French-Canadian explorer Jean Nicolet referred to the lake as “Lac du Puans” in his writings. While some have speculated that this referred to the original Native American name, it is more likely that he was simply following the example of La Salle.
The first official map of the lake to give it the name of “Lake Michigan” was created in 1778, drawn by the engineer and cartographer George Rogers. In 1800, Lewis and Clark’s map of the area further solidified the name of the lake. From that point forward, the name of Lake Michigan has been consistently used as the correct name, despite the previous names given by the French and German explorers.
Today, the official United States Geological Survey map of the Great Lakes lists Lake Michigan as such, making the name and spelling official for both the United States and for Canada.
Modern Usage of the Name
Lake Michigan remains one of the most iconic bodies of water in the United States, and is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and sailing. The lake remains home to many Native American tribes, and is a major source of drinking water for much of the region. The great lake has seen its fair share of disasters, including the famous 1982 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but has managed to remain an integral part of life for millions of people around the Great Lakes.
Much of the modern usage of the lake’s name comes from its many businesses and tourist attractions. There are countless restaurants, hotels, resorts, and marinas that have names derived from the lake, and many of these businesses have been around in some form or another for generations.
The lake is also the namesake of numerous other businesses, including the professional sports teams, the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. There are also a number of educational institutions named after the lake, such as Lake Michigan College, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. All of these institutions serve to further contribute to the modern usage of the name “Lake Michigan” in popular culture.
Lake Michigan and the Environment
In addition to its importance to the human population of the region, Lake Michigan also plays an important role in the environment. The lake serves as a major habitat for numerous species of wildlife, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. It provides the perfect environment for these species to thrive, with its shallow and nutrient-rich waters.
The lake has also had a major impact on the climate of the region, as the large body of water helps to moderate temperatures. During the winter months, the lake prevents temperatures from dropping too low for too long, and during the summer months it keeps the warmth of the sun’s rays in the air slightly longer than the surrounding areas.
Lake Michigan is also an important source of freshwater, providing drinking water to the millions of people who live around it. The lake also plays a major role in the hydrological cycle of the region, helping to ensure that the soil and vegetation in the area remain healthy.
Lake Michigan Conservation Efforts
Given its importance to the environment and human population, lake Michigan has been the focus of multiple conservation efforts over the years. Organizations such as the Great Lakes Environmental Protection Agency (GLEPA) have been established to help monitor water quality, reduce pollution, and protect the lake from further contamination.
The GLEPA has enacted numerous measures to conserve and protect the lake, including the development of regulations for industries and other sources of contamination. Additionally, the GLEPA has implemented strategies to reduce the amount of runoff entering the lake, as well as setting limits on the amount of certain pollutants allowed in the lake’s waters.
The GLEPA also works to monitor and improve recreational activities on the lake, focusing on ways to reduce the impact of human activities on the lake’s environment. This includes establishing regulations for boating, fishing, and other water activities to reduce the amount of pollution being introduced into the lake.
Lake Michigan and the Future
Despite the many conservation efforts, Lake Michigan continues to face a number of threats. Pollution, oil spills, and algal blooms all pose a major risk to the lake’s health, as does climate change. As the Earth continues to warm, the lake’s climate and water levels are likely to be affected.
It is also important that the Great Lakes remain connected to the ocean, as they are an integral part of the global water cycle. The Great Lakes Connector Project is a proposed plan to establish a navigable water route between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, which would allow for the transport of goods and help to regulate water levels. This potential project, if successful, could benefit the environment and economy of the Great Lakes region.
The future of Lake Michigan is uncertain, but with the right protections in place, and the continued efforts of conservation organizations, the lake can still remain a vibrant and healthy habitat for both humans and wildlife for years to come.
Conclusion
Who named Lake Michigan? That answer may never be known for certain, but due to the diligent research of numerous historians and researchers it is likely that the original inhabitants of the area were responsible for the naming of the lake. While the current name of Lake Michigan has largely been defined and solidified by European explorers and settlers, it is likely that the original name of the lake was most likely something much different.
Today, Lake Michigan is an important source of life for the people of the Great Lakes region, providing drinking water, recreation, and a major habitat for many species of wildlife. Organizations have been and continue to be put in place to ensure that the lake remains clean and healthy, and that the native population and their customs are respected and honored. With the right protections in place, Lake Michigan will continue to remain an important part of life for many years to come.
