Michigan Central Railroad Standish Depot
a.k.a. Standish Depot
107 N. Main St., Standish, MI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
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.
Arenac County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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