 The Manitou Islands were a part of Leelanau County, while the Beaver Island group was a part of Tonedagana County (quickly renamed Emmet County).In 1853 county government was organized in Emmet County and the administrative attachment of Leelanau County was changed to Grand Traverse County, Michigan.In 1847, James J. Strang, a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement, established a colony on Beaver Island.