National Register Listing

Clare Downtown Historic District

114-120 E. Fifth St., 102-202 W. Fifth St., 112-115 E. Fourth St., 112-124 W. Fourth St., 307, 321-622 N. McEwan, Clare, MI
Local significance of the district:
Agriculture; Architecture; Commerce; Entertainment/recreation; Industry; Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

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.

agriculture architecture commerce entertainment recreation industry politics government social history
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
Michigan is the only state in the United States that consists of two peninsulas. The Upper Peninsula (UP) and Lower Peninsula (LP) are connected by the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, which is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
Michigan random facts
Clare County, located in the state of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sauk and Ojibwe peoples, who used the land for hunting and fishing. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, drawn by the region's abundant natural resources.

In 1840, Clare County was officially established, named after County Clare in Ireland. The county experienced rapid growth during the mid-1800s, fueled by the logging industry. The dense forests of pine attracted many loggers and sawmills, leading to the establishment of several bustling towns. The logging industry played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Clare County, but it also led to environmental degradation and the eventual decline of the industry.

In the late 1800s, a new era began for Clare County with the discovery of oil and natural gas. This discovery brought economic prosperity and attracted new industries to the area. The oil boom led to the establishment of Clare City, the county seat, as an important oil refining center. However, with the decline of oil production in the early 20th century, the economy of the county diversified into agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

Since then, Clare County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The establishment of state parks, such as Clare County State Game Area and Farwell State Game Area, has attracted visitors, hikers, and nature enthusiasts to the region. Today, the county boasts a vibrant community, offering a balance between natural beauty and modern amenities while preserving its historical roots.

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

  • 1851 - Clare County established and named after County Clare in Ireland
  • 1869 - First sawmill built in the county
  • 1870 - Railroad reaches Clare County, boosting economic growth
  • 1879 - Clare becomes the county seat
  • 1882 - Clare establishes its first newspaper, the Clare Sentinel
  • 1891 - Harrison becomes an incorporated village
  • 1900 - Population of Clare County reaches over 15,000
  • 1939 - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources establishes the Clare State Game Area
  • 1957 - Clare County Centennial Celebration
  • 1986 - Mid-Michigan Community College opens in Harrison
  • 2001 - Clare County Historical Society Museum opens in Harrison