National Register Listing

Second Arenac County Courthouse

a.k.a. Omer Masonic Hall

Central Ave., Omer, MI
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
Michigan played an important role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. In 1918, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to grant women the right to vote, two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Michigan random facts
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