Omer Veterans Memorial

Historical marker location:
205 East Center Rd, Omer, Michigan
( Marker is on Center Road (U.S. 23) near South Clyde Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Loading...
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.
Arenac County, Michigan is located in the northeastern part of the state, along the shores of Lake Huron. The area that is now Arenac County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwa people, before European settlers arrived in the 19th century. The first European explorers and fur traders arrived in the area in the early 1800s, and gradually, more settlers began to establish farms and communities.

In 1883, Arenac County was officially established and named after the County of Arenac in France. The county experienced significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the flourishing lumber industry. Pine and hardwood logging became a major economic activity, attracting many workers and leading to the establishment of several prosperous lumber towns.

However, as the lumber industry declined, the county experienced a shift in its economy. The focus shifted to agriculture, particularly dairy farming, which became a prominent industry in the area. The county also began to attract tourists, drawn by its beautiful shoreline and recreational activities, leading to the development of resorts and an increase in tourism.

Today, Arenac County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a population of over 15,000 residents. Agriculture, tourism, and small businesses are the main drivers of the local economy. The county boasts several parks, campgrounds, and recreational areas, drawing visitors to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Arenac County continues to evolve and maintain its charm as a welcoming community with a rich history and connection to nature.

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

  • 1831 - Arenac County area is part of Michigan Territory
  • 1834 - The United States government survey of the county begins
  • 1854 - Arenac County is organized and established
  • 1883 - The first railroad, the Michigan Central Railroad, reaches the county
  • 1895 - The county seat is moved from Standish to Omer
  • 1910 - Automobiles become increasingly popular in the county
  • 1990 - Construction of the Au Gres Breakwater Lighthouse is completed
  • 2010 - Arenac County celebrates its 150th anniversary