"Indian Names in Michigan traces the origin of hundreds of place-names given to counties, towns, lakes, rivers, and topographical features of the Great Lakes State. These melodic names that enrich our appreciation for the romantic past of our state record the culture and history of both the American Indian and the white settler. Most of the Indian names borne by Michigan's cities, counties, lakes, and rivers are those of Indian tribes and individuals. Settlers named places not only fro the resident tribes, but also for tribes in the West that they had never seen. Indian Names in Michigan is written for all local history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Indian history and culture"--Back cover.

John Marvin started the town of Milan in 1831 by placing a two-story log building beside a dirt Native American trail. The Saline River was just a few steps away. About that time, Native Americans were either moving to reservations west of Michigan or blending in with the melting pot. Milan and its neighboring communities, such as Azalia, Paint Creek, and Mooreville, grew quickly with the influx of settlers from out East. Shoemakers arrived, along with grocers, flour mills, and even cheese factories. The Milan Area Historical Society holds a treasure trove of photographs, maps, and drawings showing the heritage in and around Milan. One of its citizens was nationally known for his scale inventions. Other citizens achieved notoriety for pulling off a stock scam in New York promoting the Electric Sugar Refining Company. Two magnificent homes near Milan were built with "sugar money."