Oscoda County Courthouse
Morence St., Mio, MI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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.
In 1840, Oscoda County was part of larger Mackinac County. As the population grew, the need for a separate county became evident. In 1881, Oscoda County was officially established and named after the Oscoda River, which flows through the region.
Logging played a significant role in the early development of Oscoda County. The abundant forests provided a source of timber for the booming lumber industry. Sawmills and logging camps sprouted up throughout the county, attracting migrants and laborers. However, by the early 20th century, the once-thriving industry began to decline, leading to economic challenges for the region.
Today, Oscoda County is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With thousands of acres of state and national forests, it offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The county also hosts a number of festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, including the AuSable River Canoe Marathon and the Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival. While small in population, Oscoda County continues to preserve its rich history and maintain its deep connection to nature.
Oscoda County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Oscoda County, Michigan.
- 1840 - The area that is now Oscoda County is part of the unorganized territory in Michigan
- 1850 - The county is officially organized and named Oscoda County
- 1875 - The first county courthouse is built in Mio, the county seat
- 1900 - The lumber industry experiences a boom in Oscoda County, leading to rapid economic growth
- 1911 - The Au Sable River is dammed, creating the Foote Pond and enabling the logging industry
- 1920 - The population of Oscoda County reaches its peak as a result of the lumber industry
- 1930 - The decline of the lumber industry and the Great Depression significantly impact the county's economy
- 1940 - Oscoda County experiences a resurgence in agriculture, particularly dairy farming
- 1980 - The Ausable River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, promoting conservation efforts
- 1990 - The county begins to embrace tourism as a new economic driver, attracting outdoor enthusiasts
- 2019 - Today, Oscoda County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town charm