[3] In 1853, Leland pioneer Antoine Manseau constructed a dam across the Carp River at this location.

[6] In the early 1900s, fishermen began enclosing their open boats and adding gasoline engines, which increased the scale of fishing operations.

[5] By 1937, two breakwaters were constructed in the waters of Lake Michigan, which also facilitated the rise of the local fishing industry.

[8] The Leland Historic District, containing both commercial and residential structures, is located at the mouth of the Carp River.

The district includes Leland's commercial area, containing historic buildings, the fishing shanties, smokehouses, and docks in the outlet of the river.

Additionally, the district includes wood-frame vernacular buildings which are part of the historic Manitou Island ferry service.