Round Island is known for a number of things: the misnomer of being called “round,” the beautiful lighthouse, and the untouched wilderness. Not so well known is its history as a graveyard.

In the early days of Round Island, it was a favorite of Indians and was once used as a burial ground. It was periodically inhabited by natives prior to 1762, when the influx of Jesuit missionaries began.

Furthermore, in 1832 there was a cholera epidemic in the Straits area. Boats were forbidden to land at Mackinac Island and would take their dead across the passage to Round Island for burial.

Henry Rowe Schoolcraft visited Round Island May 1, 1834, and discovered an ancient Indian village site, along with a burial ground and an ossuary on the southern side of the island.

Today, one grave in particular stands out to visitors of the Island. A small marker for a man’s dog dots the shore and reads, simply: “Ott. He was a good friend.”