LEGEND and LORE

Petoskey, Michigan derives its name from the vernacular of the name Petosegay, which was the name of Chief Ignatius Petosegay (1787-1885).

In the Ottawa or Odawa peoples language the chiefs name, Petosegay, translates loosely to; rising sun, rays of dawn, or sunbeams of promise. All make reference to the sun, and time of day the chief was born. A close look at a Petoskey Stone reveals the Septae, or dividers in each Coralite. These dividers look like the rays of the sun.

The scientific name for Petoskey Stone is Hexagonaria Percarinata and was named by Dr. Edwin C. Stumm, an expert on fossils.

The 73 rd Michigan Legislature under public act 89, dated, June 28, 1965 and Michigan House bill 2297 of 1965 made Petoskey Stone the state stone. Govenor George Romney signed the bill and became effective March 31, 1966.