Grand Portage settler Peter Gagnon, originally from Quebec, came to the North Shore shortly after Cook County was organized in 1892. Peter operated a trading post, first on Grand Portage Island in Grand Portage Bay and later on the mainland. Many residents today still call the island “Pete’s Island.” A remnant of the old dock at his store still stands. In addition to being known as an honest businessman, making fair exchanges of goods for furs, Peter was renowned for his gardening and commercial fishing skills. There will be a large family reunion of the descendants of Peter Gagnon—members of the Gagnon, Olson and Dahl families—in Grand Portage on August 15-17.
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