Old Indian Cemetery, 298 Morris Ave, Muskegon MI

There are no headstones in this old cemetery that it is believed to have been used by the Ottawa Nation as early as the 1750s. It was a burial ground for Native Americans as well as settlers from 1806 - 1854.  In 1961, it was determined that there were approximately 200 burials here.

The original plot of land was one acre but today it is less than half an acre with a portion of the original land paved over to become a parking lot.

The "original title" to this property was obtained by Louis B. Badeaux from the Federal Government in 1837. Louis sold it to the Ottawa Nation but Native Americans could not hold title to property in 1841. Eventually the title came to be held by Martin A. Ryerson who deeded it to the City of Muskegon in 1928.

It's a serene spot surrounded by buildings and busy streets, and it tells a small part of the always sad and tragic history of Native Americans. Peace to the Ottawa Nation.