[3] In the 19th century, a fishing industry was centered around the Potowatomi Islands.
Following the introduction of the steam tug in 1869 and also as the whitefish industry declined, most fishermen left the smaller islands.
Those who continued to fish moved especially to Washington Island and harbors in Big and Little Bay de Noc.
Switching from the sail-powered sloop to the steam tug expanded the fishermens' ranges and allowed them to live further from the fish they caught.
Peninsulas Nearby and adjacent waters Counties Protected areas History