Strap in, Travelers—today’s story is one for the history books. We're diving into the wild, winding tale of James Jesse Strang: a 19th-century lawyer, would-be prophet, and unexpected political figure who led a breakaway Mormon sect with bold claims, strange visions, and even stranger decisions. From visions and golden plates to unexpected coronations and legislative victories, Strang’s journey is equal parts fascinating, bizarre, and totally unique. Join us as we explore how one man carved out a kingdom in the Great Lakes and stirred up controversy at every turn.

Sources:

*** https://mynorth.com/2014/03/beaver-islands-king/

*** https://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2016/10/15/the-mormon-pirate-king-james-strang/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Strang

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=James+Strang%2c+the+Mormon+Pirate+King+of+Lake+Michigan&&view=riverview&mmscn=mtsc&mid=7484BA12D4060A6B53A47484BA12D4060A6B53A4&&aps=38&FORM=VMSOVR

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=James+Strang%2c+the+Mormon+Pirate+King+of+Lake+Michigan&&mid=496817F9B43BD2E7F15B496817F9B43BD2E7F15B&&FORM=VRDGAR

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=James+Strang%2c+the+Mormon+Pirate+King+of+Lake+Michigan&&view=riverview&mmscn=mtsc&mid=5D0FEDDFC49C5D58248F5D0FEDDFC49C5D58248F&&aps=37&FORM=VMSOVR

https://www.historyonthenet.com/1850s-mormon-renegade-started-massive-pirate-colony-michigan

https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1692

https://www.michiganpublic.org/arts-culture/2020-07-24/new-book-documents-the-life-of-james-jesse-strang-self-professed-mormon-monarch-of-beaver-island

https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Jesse-Strang