Old Mission Indian Cemetery LbNA #24148

The Old Mission Indian Cemetery Is located in Hessel, Michigan, very close to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. It is one of several Native American burial grounds in the area maintained by the Native American Society for Historical Preservation. The cemetery is believed to date back to the early 1700’s and had previously been named the Father Marquette Indian Cemetery. In 2003 the name was changed back to its deeded name of Old Mission. One of the first things you will notice are the simple white crosses without names. Each of these marks a grave of an unknown Native American. Most are Ojibwa Native Americans from the Sault tribe. There is one grave that is marked with a Spirit House for the Society is unsure of who might be buried there. You will also notice an ornately decorated grave of Frank Mandoskin. He was 100% Native American who originally came from Sugar Island and lived his last years in Cedarville, just a short distance from Hessel.

Hessel is located about 14 miles east of I-75 on M134. This road follows the shore and allows glimpses of the great Lake Huron. On a clear day you can see Machinac Bridge. Once in Hessel, pass the blinking light and turn right at the next street, Island View Road (just past Katydid’s). The cemetery is just before the parking lot for Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

Enjoy your visit to the cemetery but please remember to be respectful and not damage or change any of the surroundings.

Walk under the gate and find Frank Santigo who died in 1971. Proceed east to the fence line and a small stand of fir trees. At the base of a small sapling that has ventured this side of the fence is a hole in the fence. Through that hole you will find the letterbox.
Please be sure to reseal baggies and the box carefully so it will stay dry during the cold winter and replace carefully, completely hidden from view.