National Register Listing

New Feldtmann Fire Tower

a.k.a. New Feldtmann Fire Tower; Building 313 (1961 Replacement Tower Proposal)

Feldtmann Ridge Trail, Isle Royale NP, Houghton, MI
Local significance of the structure:
Conservation; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

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.

conservation engineering Civil War forts military
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
The name "Michigan" comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa," which means "large water" or "large lake." This refers to Lake Michigan, which is one of the five Great Lakes that border the state.
Michigan random facts
Keweenaw County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by the Indigenous Chippewa people, who used the Keweenaw Peninsula for hunting and fishing. In the 1840s, the discovery of copper in the region sparked a mining boom that would shape the county's future.

The mining industry drove rapid growth in Keweenaw County during the mid-19th century. The town of Copper Harbor became a bustling center of copper mining operations, attracting thousands of miners and immigrants from Europe. The industry reached its peak in the 1860s, making the Keweenaw Peninsula the largest copper-producing region in the United States. However, as the easily accessible copper veins were exhausted, the industry declined, leading to economic hardships in the area.

Keweenaw County's historical significance goes beyond mining. The region played a vital role in the lumber industry, with vast forests providing valuable timber resources. Large-scale logging operations took place in the county during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the growth of nearby towns such as Calumet and Laurium.

Today, Keweenaw County preserves its rich history through various museums, historic sites, and landmarks. The Keweenaw National Historical Park, established in 1992, showcases the region's mining heritage and offers educational programs and exhibits. The restored copper mining towns of Calumet and Eagle Harbor also give visitors a glimpse into the county's past.

Despite economic fluctuations, Keweenaw County has maintained a strong sense of community and resilience. It continues to attract tourists who come to explore its natural beauty, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county's history and culture are deeply intertwined with its natural resources, making it a unique destination for those interested in exploring Michigan's fascinating past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Keweenaw County, Michigan.

  • 1843: Keweenaw County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
  • 1844: Mining begins in the county, leading to a population boom.
  • 1846: Eagle River becomes the county seat.
  • 1850: The first lighthouse, Copper Harbor Lighthouse, is built.
  • 1852: The Keweenaw County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1861: The Civil War starts, impacting the county's mining industry.
  • 1869: The copper boom ends, causing a decline in population and economic activity.
  • 1883: Phoenix becomes the county seat.
  • 1899: The Quincy and Torch Lake Railroad is completed, aiding transportation in the area.
  • 1923: The logging industry becomes prominent in the county.
  • 1947: The county seat moves back to Eagle River.
  • 1967: Calumet becomes the county seat, where it remains today.
  • 1992: Isle Royale National Park expands to include parts of Keweenaw County.