Records show that a branch of the Algonquin people, known as the Mascoutin, lived in the area until around 1630s.

[4] In 1856, three families from Monroe County, New York, settled the area, and called it Mill Creek.

Few pictures of the event remain, as fears that the spark of a camera could light the gas in the air, causing the whole town to spontaneously combust.

The newly constructed thoroughfare into Traverse City, M-72, was rendered completely unusable after the event.

The community is adjacent to a portion of the Grand Traverse Reservation, at which the Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel operates.