Summary
Kelly Point is a GNIS-named cape on Beaver Island. The current OpenStreetMap
snapshot contains a matching natural=cape node carrying GNIS feature 629555.
Several Beaver Island tour maps reproduced in the 1980 Charlevoix Courier
also label Kelly Point, documenting continued cartographic and tourism use of
the name. These sources do not establish the point’s namesake or a distinct
historical landing or settlement.
Open questions
- Who or what gave Kelly Point its name?
- Can nautical charts, property records, or local accounts define the point’s historical use?
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System, Domestic Names (Michigan), retrieved 2026-07-28.GNIS feature 629555; feature class 'Cape'.federal · gnis · gnis_names
- OpenStreetMap contributors, natural features via Overpass API, retrieved 2026-07-28 (ODbL 1.0).Node 7177560725 is named Kelly Point, tagged natural=cape, and carries GNIS feature 629555.osm · natural
- Charlevoix Courier, 1980, Beaver Island tour maps.Multiple illustrated Beaver Island tour maps in the 1980 Courier label Kelly Point; the maps establish geographic use but do not provide a name origin.