Old Indian Trail - Cadillac to Traverse City

It is likely that you’ve come across one of these markers before — I’m referring to those concrete, oddly shaped structures with a number painted on them, and a small plaque underneath.  If you’ve gotten to closer and read this plaque, you would see the following “Old Indian Trail - Cadillac to Traverse City.”  

What is the story behind these structures?  What is the story behind the trail they’re marking?  And what new project is looking to honor this work by continuing the tradition?

We spoke with JoAnne Cook, an educator and historian, as well as a member, and a chief appellate judge, of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Emily Modrall, member of the board of directors of the Traverse Area Historical Society, and one of the spearheaders of a new project to add new structures to the existing Old Indian Trail - Cadillac to Traverse City; and filmmaker Rich Brauer, who helped with the installation of the original trail markers in the 1980's.