Social History

Sanilac County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa peoples, who were later displaced as European settlers moved into the region.

The first European settlement in what is now Sanilac County occurred in 1822 when Joseph Campau established a trading post along the Black River. The county was officially established in 1822 and named after the Sanilac Indians, a branch of the Chippewa tribe. In the following years, more settlers arrived in the area, attracted primarily by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, corn, potatoes, and sugar beets. The area experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, thanks to the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway in the 1850s. This railway linked Port Huron, located on Lake Huron, with Detroit, the state's largest city, and facilitated the transportation of goods and people in and out of the county.

Sanilac County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by escaped slaves to reach free states and Canada. Many abolitionists and sympathetic individuals in the area provided assistance to these fugitive slaves, helping them find shelter and safe passage. This legacy of activism and social justice remains an important part of the county's history.

Today, Sanilac County is home to a diverse population and continues to thrive economically through agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Visitors can explore the county's rich history through its numerous historical sites and museums, such as the Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park, and the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum.