National Register Listing in Roscommon County, Michigan
Michigan is the only state to have two designated "state stones": the Petoskey Stone, which is the state stone of Michigan, and the Isle Royale Greenstone, which is the state gemstone of Michigan. The Petoskey Stone is a fossilized coral that is found primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula, while the Isle Royale Greenstone is a rare mineral found only on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
About Roscommon County
Roscommon County Timeline
Roscommon County, located in northern Michigan, has a rich and interesting history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chippewa (Ojibwe) and Ottawa tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into Roscommon County as part of the westward expansion. The fur trade played a significant role in the region's development, with trading posts established along the major rivers. The first permanent settler in the county was Silas Corey, who built a trading post near the present-day village of Roscommon in 1863.
The county was officially established in 1840, taking its name from the Irish county of Roscommon. It quickly grew in population as more people were attracted to the area's timber and agricultural opportunities. Lumbering became a major industry, with several sawmills being built to process the abundant forests.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the resort industry began to flourish in Roscommon County. The area's numerous lakes and natural beauty attracted tourists and summer residents, leading to the development of hotels, cottages, and recreational facilities. Today, the county remains a popular vacation destination, offering a range of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Throughout its history, Roscommon County has embraced its natural resources and recreational opportunities. While the economy has shifted and industries have changed, the county's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and providing a welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike has remained a constant.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into Roscommon County as part of the westward expansion. The fur trade played a significant role in the region's development, with trading posts established along the major rivers. The first permanent settler in the county was Silas Corey, who built a trading post near the present-day village of Roscommon in 1863.
The county was officially established in 1840, taking its name from the Irish county of Roscommon. It quickly grew in population as more people were attracted to the area's timber and agricultural opportunities. Lumbering became a major industry, with several sawmills being built to process the abundant forests.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the resort industry began to flourish in Roscommon County. The area's numerous lakes and natural beauty attracted tourists and summer residents, leading to the development of hotels, cottages, and recreational facilities. Today, the county remains a popular vacation destination, offering a range of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Throughout its history, Roscommon County has embraced its natural resources and recreational opportunities. While the economy has shifted and industries have changed, the county's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and providing a welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike has remained a constant.
Roscommon County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Roscommon County, Michigan.
- 1832 - Roscommon County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
- 1840s - The area is settled by pioneers, primarily of Irish and German descent.
- 1881 - The Michigan Central Railroad is extended into Roscommon, stimulating economic growth.
- 1928 - The Ausable State Forest is created, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- 1933 - Roscommon County becomes a popular destination for tourists due to the construction of the Higgins Lake State Park.
- 1969 - The Jack Pine River Valley Recreation Area is established.
- 1982 - The Roscommon County Airport is constructed, allowing for increased transportation options.
- 1996 - The Roscommon County Courthouse undergoes extensive renovations to restore its historic beauty.
- 2010 - Roscommon County celebrates its 178th anniversary.