National Register Listing

Blackbird, Chief Andrew J., House

a.k.a. Chief Blackbird Ottawa Indian Museum

368 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI
Local significance of the building:
Literature; Communications; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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.

literature communications social history architecture houses residential buildings
Michigan was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Michigan random facts
Emmet County, located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ottawa and Ojibwa, who relied on the region's abundant resources for sustenance and trade. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, and French fur traders established trading posts along the Great Lakes.

The first permanent settlement in what is now Emmet County was established by European settlers in the early 19th century. The town of Petoskey, named after an Ottawa Indian chief, was founded in 1852 and became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and healing mineral springs. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the growth of the county, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and people to the area.

Emmet County played a significant role in the lumber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The plentiful forests in the region attracted numerous lumber companies, leading to the establishment of logging camps and sawmills. The lumber industry brought prosperity and population growth to the county, but also resulted in extensive deforestation and environmental degradation.

In the 20th century, Emmet County's economy diversified, with the tourism industry becoming increasingly important. The natural beauty of the area, including its lakes, dunes, and parks, continued to attract visitors from far and wide. Today, Emmet County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, as well as its commitment to preserving its natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Emmet County, Michigan.

  • 1851: Emmet County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
  • 1854: The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1868: The county's first courthouse is built in the city of Petoskey.
  • 1873: The Traverse City Railroad reaches Petoskey, significantly boosting the local economy.
  • 1881: The Michigan Central Railroad begins service to Petoskey.
  • 1898: A devastating fire destroys much of the city of Petoskey.
  • 1901: The new city hall is completed in Petoskey.
  • 1950s: The tourism industry becomes a major economic driver in the county.
  • 1971: The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is established, preserving the area's natural beauty.
  • 1994: The Little Traverse Wheelway, a scenic bike path, is completed.