Historical Markers in Cheboygan County, Michigan
Alexander Henry 1739 - 1834
Alexander Henry Park Kiosk
Anchors and their retrieval / Capstan for pulling up the anchor
Auto Ferries
Before the bridge
Breaking the ice
British Colonial Farm 1774 - 1780
British Colonial Shipbuilding Yard, 1761 - 1781
Building Mighty Mac
Cheboygan's Beginnings
Cheboygan's Beginnings
Cheboygan's Beginnings
Cheboygan's Beginnings
Cheboygan's Beginnings
Chief Wawatam
Chief Wawatam
Commercial Fishing
Crossroads of the Great Lakes
Edgar Conkling 1812-1881
Fog Signal Station
Fort Michilimackinac / Michilimackinac State Park
French House Ruin, 1765-1781
Graveyard of the Deep
Hattie Stimpson 1875-1948
Historic Mackinaw City
Historic Mackinaw City
Historic Timeline
Ice Harvesting
Inland Waterway
Iron Horse
Island-Hopping the Straits
Jail and Sheriff's Residence
John L. (Jack) Staffan Chief Wawatam
Lake Level Research on the Great Lakes
Lighthouses of the Mackinac Straits
Mackinac and the Water Highway
Mackinac Island Passenger Ferries
Mackinaw Boat - Mackinaw Coat
Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City Railroad Dock / USCG Cutter Mackinaw WAGB 83
Mackinaw Woman's Club, Inc.
Mackinaw, Mackinac or Michilimackinac?
Mackinaw's Civil War Cannons
Mackinaw's First Business District
Marine & Weather Reporter
Michigan Central Depot
Michigan Central Railroad
Michigan State Ferry System / Michigan State Car Ferries
Mill Creek
Old Cheboygan County Courthouse
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Old Mill Creek
Perry B. Darrow 1939 - 1995
Railroad Ferries
Shipwrecks in the Straits
The Algomah
The Dixie Highway
The Lumbering Era
The Meneely Bell
Tourism at Mackinac
Winter at Mackinac
About Cheboygan County
Cheboygan County Timeline
Cheboygan County, located in northern Michigan, is rich in history and has a diverse past. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa and Ottawa, who used the land for fishing and hunting. The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, primarily French voyageurs and fur traders. This led to the establishment of fur trading posts along the Cheboygan River, which played a pivotal role in the area's development.
In 1844, Cheboygan County was officially established. The county's economy thrived on the timber industry, as vast forests in the region provided ample resources for logging. Lumber mills began to spring up along the rivers, which fueled the local economy and attracted more settlers. The town of Cheboygan, the county seat, became a bustling hub for logging activities and shipping timber to larger cities.
With the advent of railroads in the late 19th century, Cheboygan County experienced further growth and prosperity. The rail networks allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the expansion of industries such as fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The abundance of fish in Lake Huron attracted commercial fishing companies, while fertile soils supported the growth of agriculture, particularly fruit orchards.
In the early 20th century, Cheboygan County became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county's numerous lakes and rivers provided opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Cheboygan County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, preserving its rich history while embracing its natural resources and charming communities.
In 1844, Cheboygan County was officially established. The county's economy thrived on the timber industry, as vast forests in the region provided ample resources for logging. Lumber mills began to spring up along the rivers, which fueled the local economy and attracted more settlers. The town of Cheboygan, the county seat, became a bustling hub for logging activities and shipping timber to larger cities.
With the advent of railroads in the late 19th century, Cheboygan County experienced further growth and prosperity. The rail networks allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the expansion of industries such as fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The abundance of fish in Lake Huron attracted commercial fishing companies, while fertile soils supported the growth of agriculture, particularly fruit orchards.
In the early 20th century, Cheboygan County became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county's numerous lakes and rivers provided opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Cheboygan County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, preserving its rich history while embracing its natural resources and charming communities.
Cheboygan County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cheboygan County, Michigan.
- 1840: Cheboygan County is organized and established as a county in the state of Michigan.
- 1853: The village of Cheboygan is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
- 1880s: The timber industry booms in the county, leading to significant economic growth and the establishment of sawmills.
- 1881: The Cheboygan County Courthouse is built, becoming an iconic landmark in the area.
- 1882: The Michigan Central Railroad reaches Cheboygan, boosting transportation and trade opportunities for the county.
- 1889: Cheboygan County Historical Museum is established to preserve and showcase the county's history.
- 1897: The U.S. Coast Guard station is established in Cheboygan, marking the beginning of its long-standing presence in the county.
- 1900s: Tourism begins to play a significant role in the county's economy, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
- 1948: The Big Y Sportsmen's Club is founded, becoming a popular destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts.
- 1972: The Cheboygan Opera House is restored, becoming a cultural and performing arts center for the county.
- 1990s: Cheboygan County experiences population growth and development in various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare services.