National Register Listing

US 31-Pentwater River Bridge

US 31 over Pentwater R., Weare Township, MI
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
  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.

engineering Civil War Mexican War military
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
Michigan played an important role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. In 1918, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to grant women the right to vote, two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Michigan random facts
Oceana County, located in the state of Michigan, has a rich history dating back to the time of Native American tribes. The area was initially inhabited by the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes, who utilized the land's resources for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, primarily from New York and New England, and gradually established permanent communities.

The county was officially organized in 1855 and named after the poetic term for "ocean," reflecting its proximity to Lake Michigan. The early economy of Oceana County was centered around lumbering, as vast forests provided abundant timber resources. Sawmills and logging operations flourished during this time, attracting more settlers to the region.

As the lumber industry began to decline in the late 19th century, attention shifted to agriculture. The fertile soil in Oceana County proved to be ideal for growing fruits, vegetables, and grains. With the development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads, the county's agricultural output could be easily transported to markets across the state.

In the 20th century, Oceana County continued to thrive agriculturally, specializing in the production of apples, asparagus, and various other crops. Tourism also played an increasingly important role in the county's economy due to its beautiful shoreline along Lake Michigan. Today, Oceana County remains a vibrant agricultural region, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and offering a glimpse into Michigan's rich history.

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

  • 1837: Oceana County is formed as part of Michigan Territory
  • 1840: First sawmill is built in Pentwater
  • 1853: Oceana County is officially organized with its first set of elected officials
  • 1865: Railroads begin to be built in the county
  • 1871: Oceana County Fair is established
  • 1875: Hart, Michigan becomes the county seat
  • 1881: Oceana County Historical Society is founded
  • 1912: First telephone service is established in the county
  • 1939: Construction of the Silver Lake State Park begins
  • 1950: Oceana County Airport is established
  • 1962: Pentwater Historical Society is founded
  • 1970: Electric and natural gas services are expanded in the county
  • 1986: Oceana County Visitor's Bureau is established
  • 1996: Creation of the Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm
  • 2010: Oceana County Bicentennial Celebration takes place