Ontonagon School

a.k.a. Ontonagon Township High School; Ontonagon Area Elementary School

301 Greenland Rd., Ontonagon, MI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Art; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

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.

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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.
Ontonagon County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. The area was initially inhabited by the Ojibwa and Ottawa Native American tribes, who lived off the land and engaged in fur trade with French explorers. The first European exploration of Ontonagon County occurred in 1661 when French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, visited the area.

In the late 18th century, the fur trade thrived in the region, attracting more European settlers. The County's name, Ontonagon, is derived from the Ojibwa language meaning "dish" or "bowl," referring to the shape of the Ontonagon River. The county was officially established in 1843, becoming one of the first counties in the Upper Peninsula.

The discovery of copper in the mid-19th century brought a significant boom to Ontonagon County. The Ontonagon Boulder, a massive natural copper nugget weighing over five tons, was discovered in 1846, initiating a copper rush in the area. Mining companies were quickly established, and the population soared as people flocked to the region in search of wealth. The county's economy became primarily dependent on copper mining, and several mining towns sprouted up, including Ontonagon and Mass City.

However, by the early 20th century, the copper industry began to decline, leading to a gradual decline in population and economic activity in Ontonagon County. Today, the county's economy is diversified, with a focus on tourism, forestry, and recreational activities. The area is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Superior's shoreline, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and numerous rivers and lakes, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Despite its mining history, Ontonagon County has evolved into a peaceful and picturesque destination, offering a glimpse into Michigan's past while embracing a vibrant present.

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

  • 1843 - The Ontonagon County area is first explored by the Government Land Office surveyors.
  • 1847 - The first permanent settler, Austin Corser, arrives in Ontonagon County.
  • 1848 - The county is officially established and named Ontonagon after the Ontonagon River.
  • 1851 - Ontonagon County's first post office is established.
  • 1861 - The Ontonagon County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1870 - The village of Ontonagon becomes an official incorporated community.
  • 1880 - The Ontonagon Lighthouse is built to guide ships on Lake Superior.
  • 1894 - The Ontonagon County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote local history.
  • 1910 - Ontonagon County experiences a population boom due to the mining industry.
  • 1936 - The Porcupine Mountains State Park is established, becoming a popular tourist destination.
  • 1957 - Bond Falls Flowage is created to generate hydroelectric power.
  • 1982 - The Ontonagon River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
  • 2019 - Ontonagon County celebrates its 171st anniversary since establishment.