Historical Markers in Mason County, Michigan
Armistice Day Storm
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Boy and Girl Under the Umbrella
First Mason County Courthouse
Mason County / Mason County Courthouse
Mason County Veterans Memorial
S.S. Badger / Ludington Car Ferries
S.S. City of Flint 32
S.S. Pere Marquette 18
Scottville
Swedish Lutheran Church
War Memorial
World War I Memorial
World War Memorial
"Sport Fishing"
"The Abbie"
About Mason County
Mason County Timeline
Mason County, Michigan, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area that would become Mason County was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe and Ottawa people, who lived off the land and the abundant resources of the surrounding Great Lakes.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and potential for farming. The first permanent settlement in what is now Mason County was established in 1847 by settlers Ludington and James Ludington. They named the town Pere Marquette, after the French Jesuit missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette.
The logging industry played a significant role in the early development of Mason County. The dense forests of white pine provided a source of timber that was in high demand. Sawmills were established along the shores of Lake Michigan, and the lumber industry boomed throughout the late 19th century. This led to the rapid growth of towns like Ludington, which became the county seat in 1873.
Alongside the lumber industry, tourism also began to flourish in Mason County. Its beautiful stretches of white sand beaches and crystal-clear lakes made it an attractive destination for visitors from across the state. As the logging era came to an end and the timber resources diminished, Mason County adapted and embraced its natural beauty as a way to foster economic growth. Today, tourism remains a vital part of the county's economy, with thousands of visitors flocking to its beaches, state parks, and recreational areas every year.
Overall, Mason County's history is one of exploration, settlement, and adaptation. From its early days as a Native American territory to its bustling logging industry and transformation into a tourist destination, the county has evolved and thrived, preserving its natural beauty while embracing modern opportunities for growth.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and potential for farming. The first permanent settlement in what is now Mason County was established in 1847 by settlers Ludington and James Ludington. They named the town Pere Marquette, after the French Jesuit missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette.
The logging industry played a significant role in the early development of Mason County. The dense forests of white pine provided a source of timber that was in high demand. Sawmills were established along the shores of Lake Michigan, and the lumber industry boomed throughout the late 19th century. This led to the rapid growth of towns like Ludington, which became the county seat in 1873.
Alongside the lumber industry, tourism also began to flourish in Mason County. Its beautiful stretches of white sand beaches and crystal-clear lakes made it an attractive destination for visitors from across the state. As the logging era came to an end and the timber resources diminished, Mason County adapted and embraced its natural beauty as a way to foster economic growth. Today, tourism remains a vital part of the county's economy, with thousands of visitors flocking to its beaches, state parks, and recreational areas every year.
Overall, Mason County's history is one of exploration, settlement, and adaptation. From its early days as a Native American territory to its bustling logging industry and transformation into a tourist destination, the county has evolved and thrived, preserving its natural beauty while embracing modern opportunities for growth.
Mason County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Mason County, Michigan.
- 1836 - Mason County is officially organized and established
- 1837 - The first sawmill is constructed in the county
- 1855 - Monroe Center, later renamed Ludington, becomes the county seat
- 1867 - The Pere Marquette Railroad arrives in the county, fostering economic growth
- 1881 - The Romanesque-style Mason County Courthouse is completed
- 1912 - Custer State Park is established in the southern part of the county
- 1923 - The S.S. Pere Marquette car ferry begins operating from Ludington
- 1950s - The Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant is built, becoming a major electricity source
- 1990 - The iconic Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse is restored
- 2004 - The Ludington State Park Dam is remodeled and upgraded
- 2016 - The Mason County Historical Society celebrates its 100th anniversary