National Register Listing

Penhaligen, Charles and Mary Kempf, House

a.k.a. Penhaligen House

1203 W. Sugnet Rd., Midland, MI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Michigan played a key role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Detroit was an important hub for the movement, and Michigan was the first state in the Northwest Territory to outlaw slavery in 1837.
Michigan random facts
Midland County, located in central Michigan, has a rich and diverse history. Originally inhabited by Potawatomi and Chippewa Native American tribes, the area was later explored by French fur traders in the 1600s. In the early 19th century, the land became part of the Michigan Territory, and settlement began in the 1830s.

The founding of Midland County took place in 1850 when it was officially established. The name "Midland" was chosen due to its central location within the state. The county's early economy thrived on logging and the lumber industry, with the Tittabawassee River serving as a vital transportation route.

The discovery of natural gas in 1929 transformed the region's economy. Midland County became home to the headquarters of The Dow Chemical Company, founded by Herbert H. Dow. This event brought significant growth and development to the area, as the chemical industry contributed to the county's economic prosperity for decades to come.

Throughout the years, Midland County has remained an important hub for science, technology, and innovation. The Dow Chemical Company has continued to expand and diversify its operations, and the region has attracted numerous high-tech companies and research institutions. Today, Midland County is known for its strong sense of community, quality schools, and thriving business sector, making it an attractive place to live and work.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Midland County, Michigan.

  • 1831 - Midland County is founded as a part of Saginaw County.
  • 1855 - Midland County becomes part of Bay County.
  • 1857 - Midland County is established as an independent county.
  • 1862 - The Michigan Salt Association begins mining operations in Midland County.
  • 1869 - Midland City is established as a settlement near the salt mines.
  • 1872 - The Michigan Salt Association becomes the Michigan Salt and Chemical Company.
  • 1896 - A fire destroys most of downtown Midland City.
  • 1899 - The Dow Chemical Company is founded in Midland City.
  • 1938 - The Tridge, a three-way wooden footbridge, is built across the Tittabawassee River.
  • 1943 - Dow Chemical begins large-scale production of synthetic rubber during World War II.
  • 1963 - Midland County Historical Society is established.
  • 1973 - The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art is opened.
  • 2006 - Midland County celebrates its 150th anniversary.