McKeown Road Bridge
Historical marker location:
Hastings, Michigan
( Marker is on Nashville Road near McKeown Road, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1998
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The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was once a major center for copper mining. The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to the largest concentration of copper mines in the world in the mid-19th century, and copper was an important natural resource for the state's economy.
About Barry County
Barry County Timeline
Barry County is located in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe. It was not until the early 19th century that European settlers began to arrive in the region.
In 1829, Barry County was officially established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature. It was named after William Taylor Barry, a Postmaster General under President Andrew Jackson. The county's first settlers were mainly farmers, attracted to the fertile soil and abundant natural resources in the area.
Throughout the 19th century, Barry County experienced rapid growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to major cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The logging industry played a significant role in the county's economy, as vast forests provided valuable timber resources.
In the early 20th century, agriculture became the dominant industry in Barry County. Dairy farming, fruit orchards, and crop production became important sources of income for the residents. The county also saw the establishment of several manufacturing and industrial facilities.
Today, Barry County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It offers a mix of rural landscapes, recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. With its rich history and commitment to sustainable growth, Barry County remains an important part of Michigan's heritage.
In 1829, Barry County was officially established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature. It was named after William Taylor Barry, a Postmaster General under President Andrew Jackson. The county's first settlers were mainly farmers, attracted to the fertile soil and abundant natural resources in the area.
Throughout the 19th century, Barry County experienced rapid growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to major cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The logging industry played a significant role in the county's economy, as vast forests provided valuable timber resources.
In the early 20th century, agriculture became the dominant industry in Barry County. Dairy farming, fruit orchards, and crop production became important sources of income for the residents. The county also saw the establishment of several manufacturing and industrial facilities.
Today, Barry County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It offers a mix of rural landscapes, recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. With its rich history and commitment to sustainable growth, Barry County remains an important part of Michigan's heritage.
Barry County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barry County, Michigan.
- 1839 - Barry County is established as a county in the state of Michigan
- 1841 - The first courthouse in Barry County is constructed
- 1860 - The county's population reaches over 7,000 residents
- 1870 - Barry County becomes an important center for the timber industry
- 1898 - The county's first railroad, the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, is completed
- 1910 - The county's population peaks at over 22,000 residents
- 1920 - Barry County experiences a decline in population due to economic downturns and the decline of the timber industry
- 1953 - Gun Lake Casino opens, becoming a popular entertainment destination
- 1978 - The Barry County Fairgrounds relocate to its current location in Hastings
- 2000 - The county's population begins to steadily increase again, reaching over 58,000 residents by the end of the decade
- 2008 - The Thornapple River floods parts of Barry County, causing significant damage