BEAVER ISLAND IRELAND is a popular country that gets lots of visitors, including myself. However when you don't have the funds or time to visit Ireland you can check out places closer to home that just might have a bit of the Irish in them. Over in the midwest state of Michigan is an island that rests on a freshwater Great Lake; Lake Michigan. The island is called Beaver Island (Emerald Isle of America). Ferries and planes depart daily from Charlevoix to Beaver Island. A ferry ride takes approximately two hours and a plane ride about 15 minutes. Weather conditions must be considered when visiting Beaver Island so the best time to visit is from the end of May to the end of October when the weather is most favorable. In 1847 James Jesse Strang brought his small band of Mormons to Beaver Island and in 1849 Saint James was established on the island. James Jessee Strang crowned himself King and was the only king every crowned in the United States. Today Saint James