While the area encompassing the Town of La Pointe is made up of the entire Apostle Islandsarchipelago, the residents of the community live almost exclusively on Madeline Island because it is the only Apostle Island open to commercial development.[4] The United States Census Bureau does not publish population figures specific to the unincorporated community, but the surrounding town had a population of 428 in the 2020 census.[5]
History
According to William Whipple Warren's History of the Ojibway People (18xx), Moningwunakuaning "is the spot on which the Ojibway tribe first grew, and like a tree it has spread its branches in every direction, in the bands that now [1885] occupy the vast extent of the Ojibway earth; and also that 'it is the root from which all the far scattered villages of the tribe have sprung.'"[6]
Warren, whose mother was French-Ojibwa, learned from maternal tribal elders that the Ojibwa originally lived near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. At the time of great sickness and death, the Great Spirit interceded through Manabosho, a common uncle of the Anishinubag (spontaneous people). Through the discovery of the snakeroot they were granted the rite, enabled through their Medawe (religion), "wherewith life is restored and prolonged." The great Megis (seashell) showed itself as a glossy thing reflecting on the sea. It led them first to a place near Montreal where they stayed for some time. Next it led them to Boweting (Sault Ste. Marie); again they stayed for some time. At last it led them to Moningwunakauning (La Pointe, Madeline Island), "where it has ever since reflected back the rays of the sun, and blessed our ancestors with life, light and wisdom," says Warren. So the flickering shaft of light is the Megis, and La Pointe is the center of the Earth for the Ojibwa.
Kechewaishke, commonly known as Chief Buffalo, was an Ojibwa leader born at La Pointe in 1759. Recognized as the principal chief of the Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwa)[8] for nearly a half-century until his death in 1855, he led his nation into a treaty relationship with the United States Government, signing treaties in 1825, 1826, 1837, 1842, 1847, and 1854. He was also instrumental in resisting the efforts of the United States to remove the Ojibwa and in securing permanent reservations for his people near Lake Superior.
Tourism makes up a large part of the local economy. La Pointe, like Bayfield (on the mainland), has become a popular tourist destination during the summer, when many local events are scheduled.[11]
Downtown La Pointe offers many bars, restaurants, and other amenities. These include indigenous restaurant Miijim, whose owner and chef, Bryce Stevenson, was a 2024 semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's national award for emerging chef.[12] Camping, swimming, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities are abundant and popular on the island.[13]
Travel
Passengers on the Madeline Island Ferry boat, awaiting their arrival to the Island.
Madeline Island and the town of La Pointe are accessible by the Madeline Island Ferry line.[14] The steel-hulled car/passenger ferries depart from Bayfield on a set schedule. Many attractions on the island are within walking distance of the ferry dock, such as the museum and library. It may be necessary to bring a vehicle to reach attractions that are farther away, such as Big Bay State Park. County Highway H serves as a main route in the community.
There is also a public boat marina near the ferry dock.[15]
Ground transportation to the island during the winter (late December through February) is by way of an ice road, which is open when ice levels are safe enough for vehicles to pass.[15]
The Major Gilbert Field Airport (FAALID: 4R5) is a general aviation airport that features a 3,000-foot by 75-foot landing strip, as well as overnight tie-downs and an array of other services. The airport is publicly-owned by the Town of La Pointe.[16]
^Warren, William Whipple. (1885). History of the Ojibways : based upon traditions and oral statements. Saint Paul, Minn.: Minnesota Historical Society. Series: Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society, v. 5. pp. 79-81. Library of Congress website Retrieved 17 March 2020.
^Although the original term Ojibwe as "Ojibwa" is now preferred to its English corruption "Chippewa," Chippewa has historically been the dominant English usage, was used in treaties with the United States, and remains part of the official name of many tribal groups: Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Cliff Chippewa, etc.
^United States Senate. (1888-1889) Congressional Serial Set. Reports of the Committees of the Senate of the U.S. Second Session of the Fiftieth Congress. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p 175. Google Books Retrieved 14 March 2020.
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