Emmet County, Michigan

Andrew J. Blackbird / Mack-e-te-be-nesey Andrew J. Blackbird House / Makade Binisii Wegamik Area Of The Old Council Tree At The Water's Edge At the Water's Edge Bay View / Bay View Association Bay View Historical Museum Brazile Petoskey Dry Goods and Groceries Bruce Catton Carl D. Bradley Carnegie Library Building Cedarville Charles de Langlade Chi-Sin Trail Coburn Building Cottage Desert Shield / Desert Storm Memorial Eber Ward Elk's Club Ephraim Shay Epworth Hall Evelyn Hall Fallass Drug Store First Bay View Fire Hydrant Fort Michilimackinac G & A Building Giles Restaurant GR&I Railroad Depot Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Station Heath Michael Robinson Hitchcock Hall Hotel Perry Indians at the Straits J. Schapler Saloon James W. Bennett Jesperson's Restaurant John M. Hall Auditorium Karamol's, Mitchell Street Pub Koulis Ice Cream Library Light Houses of Grays Reef Passage Little Traverse Bay Lombard Post No. 170 G.A.R. Memorial L'Arbre Croche M. J. Bourke: Agricultural Specialties Mackinac Bridge McCarthy's Barber Shop McGulpin Family Life Meyer Hardware Michael B. Lindemuth Michigan's First Jewish Settler Middle Village Middle Village Minneapolis Missionaries at Mackinac Montgomery Sisters National Hotel Old Indian Trail Old Kent Bank of Petoskey Park Garden Cafe Pere Marquette Railroad Station Perry Hotel Petoskey Housefurnishing Co. / Reid Furniture Petoskey Post Office Post Office Potter's Rooming House Settling the Straits Site of the 1899 Department of Michigan G.A.R. Encampment Speaker's Stand St. Ignatius Mission St. Ignatius of Loyola Church and Cemetery Stafford's Bay View Inn Terrace Inn The Annex The Braun The History of Redpath Memorial Presbyterian Church The Legs Inn The Perry Hotel The Pop Corn King USS Hartford Dahlgren Gun Vernor Hall Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Vietnam Memorial W. W. Fairbairn Warrior, brother & leader William H. Barnum Woman's Council World War II and Korea Memorial World War Memorial World Wars Memorial
Emmet County, located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ottawa and Ojibwa, who relied on the region's abundant resources for sustenance and trade. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, and French fur traders established trading posts along the Great Lakes.

The first permanent settlement in what is now Emmet County was established by European settlers in the early 19th century. The town of Petoskey, named after an Ottawa Indian chief, was founded in 1852 and became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and healing mineral springs. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the growth of the county, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and people to the area.

Emmet County played a significant role in the lumber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The plentiful forests in the region attracted numerous lumber companies, leading to the establishment of logging camps and sawmills. The lumber industry brought prosperity and population growth to the county, but also resulted in extensive deforestation and environmental degradation.

In the 20th century, Emmet County's economy diversified, with the tourism industry becoming increasingly important. The natural beauty of the area, including its lakes, dunes, and parks, continued to attract visitors from far and wide. Today, Emmet County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, as well as its commitment to preserving its natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
Brief timeline of the history of Emmet County, Michigan:

  • 1851: Emmet County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
  • 1854: The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1868: The county's first courthouse is built in the city of Petoskey.
  • 1873: The Traverse City Railroad reaches Petoskey, significantly boosting the local economy.
  • 1881: The Michigan Central Railroad begins service to Petoskey.
  • 1898: A devastating fire destroys much of the city of Petoskey.
  • 1901: The new city hall is completed in Petoskey.
  • 1950s: The tourism industry becomes a major economic driver in the county.
  • 1971: The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is established, preserving the area's natural beauty.
  • 1994: The Little Traverse Wheelway, a scenic bike path, is completed.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Emmet County, Michigan.

Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.