Bay City Masonic Temple
700 N. Madison Ave., Bay City, MI Local significance of the building: Social History; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
- 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
- 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
- 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
- 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
- 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
- 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
- 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
- 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
- 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Loading...
Michigan played an important role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. In 1918, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to grant women the right to vote, two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
About Bay County
Bay County Timeline
Bay County, Michigan is located in the eastern part of the state along the shores of Lake Huron. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Chippewa Native American tribes. European settlement began in the early 19th century when French fur traders established trading posts in the area. During the 1830s, the United States government quickly acquired the land and established Bay County, named after the native bay of Saginaw.
The development of the area was primarily driven by the lumber industry, with sawmills and logging camps sprouting up along the rivers in the 1850s. The Saginaw River proved to be a crucial transportation route, allowing timber to be easily transported to markets. As the lumber industry boomed, Bay City emerged as a major logging center. In 1857, Bay City was officially incorporated as a village and would later become the county seat in 1867.
By the late 1800s, however, the lumber industry declined, leading to economic diversification in the region. The discovery of salt deposits in the 1880s brought a new wave of economic growth for Bay County. The area quickly became a significant player in the salt production industry. Along with salt, manufacturing and shipbuilding also became important contributors to the local economy.
In the 20th century, Bay County continued to evolve as industries changed. Shipbuilding remained a vital industry during both World Wars. Over time, as manufacturing and industrialization expanded, the county saw the rise of automobile parts manufacturing and chemical plants. Today, Bay County is known for its diverse economy, encompassing sectors like healthcare, education, tourism, and agriculture, while still retaining ties to its rich industrial past.
The development of the area was primarily driven by the lumber industry, with sawmills and logging camps sprouting up along the rivers in the 1850s. The Saginaw River proved to be a crucial transportation route, allowing timber to be easily transported to markets. As the lumber industry boomed, Bay City emerged as a major logging center. In 1857, Bay City was officially incorporated as a village and would later become the county seat in 1867.
By the late 1800s, however, the lumber industry declined, leading to economic diversification in the region. The discovery of salt deposits in the 1880s brought a new wave of economic growth for Bay County. The area quickly became a significant player in the salt production industry. Along with salt, manufacturing and shipbuilding also became important contributors to the local economy.
In the 20th century, Bay County continued to evolve as industries changed. Shipbuilding remained a vital industry during both World Wars. Over time, as manufacturing and industrialization expanded, the county saw the rise of automobile parts manufacturing and chemical plants. Today, Bay County is known for its diverse economy, encompassing sectors like healthcare, education, tourism, and agriculture, while still retaining ties to its rich industrial past.
Bay County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bay County, Michigan.
- 1820: Bay County is established.
- 1845: The first settlement, Lower Saginaw (now Bay City), is established.
- 1857: Bay County is officially organized.
- 1865: The first railroad arrives in Bay County, contributing to its growth and development.
- 1882: Bay City becomes a city.
- 1896: The Bay City Electric Light and Power Company provides electricity for the first time in Bay County.
- 1929: The Great Depression hits Bay County, causing economic hardships.
- 1941: The United States enters World War II, leading to increased industrial production in Bay County.
- 1957: Bay City merges with Essexville and becomes the city of Bay City.
- 2007: The Bay County Historical Society celebrates its 100th anniversary.