National Register Listing

Menominee Pierhead Light Station

a.k.a. Menominee North Pier Light; Menominee Pierhead Light; Menominee Pier Light 4

Offshore end of Menominee Harbor N pier at mount of Menominee R, Menominee, MI
Local significance of the structure:
Maritime History; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

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.

maritime transportation architecture
Michigan was the birthplace of the American automobile industry. In the early 20th century, automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler established headquarters and factories in Michigan, leading to a boom in the state's economy and population. Detroit became known as the "Motor City" and a symbol of American industrial power.
Michigan random facts
Menominee County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The county is named after the Menominee Indian tribe, who have resided in the area for centuries. Before European settlement, the Menominee people relied on the abundant natural resources of the region, including the forests and waterways for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

In the 1600s, French explorers and fur traders began to arrive in the area, establishing relationships with the Menominee tribe. The fur trade brought new economic opportunities to the region and led to the establishment of small trading posts. However, with the decline of the fur trade in the early 1800s, the area's economy shifted towards logging and shipbuilding.

During the mid-19th century, Menominee County experienced a period of rapid growth. The discovery of iron ore deposits in the nearby Upper Peninsula led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of mining operations. Along with mining, the timber industry boomed, and Menominee became one of the largest producers of lumber in the nation. The logging and mining industries brought prosperity and jobs to the area, attracting a diverse population of immigrants, including many Finnish, Swedish, and Polish settlers.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Menominee County faced challenges brought on by the decline of the logging and mining industries. The depletion of timber resources and a decrease in demand for iron ore led to a downturn in the local economy. However, throughout the 20th century, the county adapted to new industries such as manufacturing and tourism, helping to revitalize the area. Today, Menominee County remains a beautiful region known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

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

  • 1818: Menominee County was originally part of Michigan Territory.
  • 1831: Treaty of Washington ceded the area to the United States from the Menominee Native American Tribe.
  • 1861: Menominee County was officially established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • 1880s: Lumber industry boomed, leading to significant economic growth in the county.
  • 1891: Menominee City was incorporated as a separate entity from the surrounding county.
  • 1895: Menominee County's population peaked as the timber industry thrived.
  • 1940s: The decline of the lumber industry led to a decrease in population and economic activity.
  • 1950s: Menominee County experienced a slight population rebound due to the expansion of the tourism industry.
  • Today, Menominee County is a scenic area known for its outdoor recreational opportunities.