Local History

James Harsen, and his son-in-law, Isaac Graveraet (or Graveret), from Albany, N.Y., were the first white settlers on the island, coming here about 1779.  Mr. Harsen bought the island from the Indians about 1783.  It was also called Jacob Island (James or Jacobus) as late as 1809.  The post office of Sans Souci, on the island, was changed to Harsens Island on December 31, 1960.

Informational excerpts from Michigan Place Names, by Walter Romig, L.H.D.

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