Nahma and Northern Railway Locomotive #5
Main St. at River St., Nahma Township, MI Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
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.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was once a major center for copper mining. The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to the largest concentration of copper mines in the world in the mid-19th century, and copper was an important natural resource for the state's economy.
In the 17th century, French explorers arrived in the area and established fur trading posts along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. These early French settlers paved the way for future European colonization of the region, leading to the establishment of the fur trade as a key economic activity.
The area's first permanent settlement, known as Escanaba, was established in 1863. The town quickly grew as the timber and iron industries attracted an influx of settlers. The availability of timber and the construction of the railroads fueled the growth of the lumber industry, while the discovery of iron ore in the nearby areas led to the establishment of iron mines. Escanaba became a major shipping port, exporting timber and iron ore to the growing cities around the Great Lakes.
In the early 20th century, the construction of hydroelectric power plants along the rivers in Delta County brought about a new era of industrialization and economic prosperity. These power plants provided electricity for local industries, including paper mills and chemical plants, further fueling the area's growth. Today, Delta County continues to thrive as a hub for manufacturing, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities, offering visitors and residents an abundance of natural beauty and historical landmarks to explore.
Delta County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Delta County, Michigan.
- 1827: Delta County is created as a county in the Michigan Territory.
- 1831: The first European settler, Joseph F. Wilson, arrives in the area.
- 1843: The first permanent settlement, Escanaba, is established.
- 1863: The Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad is completed, connecting Escanaba to neighboring towns.
- 1869: The city of Escanaba is officially incorporated.
- 1895: The Ford River is dammed, creating a hydroelectric power plant to support the growing industries.
- 1915: The Delta County Historical Society is founded to preserve the history of the area.
- 1959: The Upper Peninsula State Fair is held in Escanaba for the first time.
- 1967: The Delta County Airport is opened, providing air transportation for the region.
- 2005: The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is established in Escanaba, promoting arts and cultural events.