National Register Listing

Middle Island Light

a.k.a. Middle Island Lighthouse

E of shoreline of Middle Island, 3.2 mi. SE of Rockport, Alpena, MI
Local significance of the structure:
Maritime History; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

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 gravesites Civil War rangers military
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
The Kellogg brothers, John Harvey and Will Keith Kellogg, who invented corn flakes, were born in Michigan. They began their cereal company in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the city became known as the "Cereal Capital of the World" due to the many cereal companies that were based there.
Michigan random facts
Alpena County, located in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Menominee Native American tribes who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihood. European settlers began arriving in the 1830s, attracted by the area's access to waterways and forestry.

Incorporated in 1840, Alpena County saw a significant boom in the late 19th century with the rise of the lumber industry. The vast forests of the region provided the raw materials for building construction and the production of lumber products, leading to the establishment of numerous sawmills and a booming economy. This period of prosperity is often referred to as the "Lumber Era."

However, the extraction of timber took a toll on the forests, and by the early 20th century, the once-thriving lumber industry began to decline. In response, the people of Alpena County transitioned to other industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The introduction of limestone quarrying and cement production brought about a new economic era for the county, which lasted well into the 20th century.

Today, Alpena County is a vibrant and diverse community known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county's strong ties to its past are evident in its preserved historic buildings and sites. It continues to evolve and adapt, embracing new industries such as tourism, healthcare, and education, while still honoring its rich history and heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alpena County, Michigan.

  • 1840s - European settlers begin arriving in the area that would become Alpena County.
  • 1850s - Lumbering becomes a major industry in the region.
  • 1857 - Alpena County is officially established.
  • 1871 - Alpena becomes a city.
  • 1880s - The lumber industry flourishes, and several sawmills are established in Alpena.
  • 1891 - Fire destroys much of downtown Alpena.
  • 1907 - The Cement Plant in Alpena begins operations.
  • 1940s - Alpena experiences growth and development due to World War II.
  • 1965 - Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is established, protecting the wrecks of numerous shipwrecks in Lake Huron.
  • 1970s - The manufacturing industry grows in Alpena County.
  • 2000s - Alpena County sees a decline in population and a shift towards tourism and outdoor recreational activities.