Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, north of Traverse City, this historical site is home to the oldest framed building in Michigan north of Grand Rapids. Within and adjacent to the grounds are some surviving American Chestnuts including two of the largest in the state.
Before Europeans settled Michigan the Anishinaabek People called this area home. In 1842 Ojibwa tribal Chief Agosa contacted Reverend Peter Dougherty to establish a mission and provide educational opportunities for the community. The mission operated for ten years, as demand for the area grew as a favorable fruit growing region, the Ojibwa sought to establish permanent land before the government “renegotiated” their reservation treaty. In 1852 land was purchased near Omenia and Rev. Dougherty moved with them to establish the “New Mission,” thus cementing the name “Old Mission Penninsula.”
The property has changed hands several times and is currently owned by Penniinsula Township and overseen by the Peter Dougherty Society, a non-profit group.
Please visit the Dougherty Mission House Website to learn more or plan a visit.
American Chestnuts
Rev. Dougherty was originally from New York, where the American Chestnut was native. It is surmised that he planted the nuts when the mission was established, making them over 175 years old. These trees continue to survive, despite blight being present on the property. There is a group of dedicated volunteers working to maintain and preserve the trees as well as propagate, research and work toward restoration of the species.
