Historical Markers in Gogebic County, 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.
Gogebic County, MI is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the ancient Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwa and Ottawa, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade.
The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of valuable iron ore deposits. The development of the iron mining industry quickly transformed the landscape and led to a rapid influx of immigrants, primarily from Finland, Sweden, and other European countries. These settlers established numerous mining communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield, which became key economic centers.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gogebic County experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity as iron ore mining boomed. The region's iron mines played a vital role in supplying the raw materials needed for the industrial development of the United States. However, this prosperity was not without challenges, as labor disputes and economic fluctuations affected the mining industry and the communities dependent on it.
Today, Gogebic County remains strongly connected to its mining heritage, with remnants of old mine shafts and other industrial sites still visible in the landscape. The area has also diversified its economy, embracing tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and skiing. Gogebic County continues to honor its history and heritage through museums, local festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the accomplishments and hardships of the early settlers and the growth of the county.
The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of valuable iron ore deposits. The development of the iron mining industry quickly transformed the landscape and led to a rapid influx of immigrants, primarily from Finland, Sweden, and other European countries. These settlers established numerous mining communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield, which became key economic centers.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gogebic County experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity as iron ore mining boomed. The region's iron mines played a vital role in supplying the raw materials needed for the industrial development of the United States. However, this prosperity was not without challenges, as labor disputes and economic fluctuations affected the mining industry and the communities dependent on it.
Today, Gogebic County remains strongly connected to its mining heritage, with remnants of old mine shafts and other industrial sites still visible in the landscape. The area has also diversified its economy, embracing tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and skiing. Gogebic County continues to honor its history and heritage through museums, local festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the accomplishments and hardships of the early settlers and the growth of the county.
- 1831: Treaty of Washington opens the area to settlement
- 1845: Gogebic County is established
- 1884: Iron ore is discovered, leading to a mining boom
- 1896: Gogebic County becomes the largest iron ore producer in Michigan
- 1930s: The mining industry declines due to decreased demand and the Great Depression
- 1987: Copper Peak, a ski flying hill, is opened
- 1995: Flambeau Mine, the last operating mine in Gogebic County, shuts down
- 2002: The Iron Belle Trail, a hiking and biking trail, is established
- 2016: Gogebic County celebrates its 171st anniversary