National Register Listing

Presque Isle County Courthouse

State and Maple Sts., Onaway, MI
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  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.

exploration settlementT politics government architecture social history ranching Civil War
Michigan is a state of make-believe, a land where people trade in celluloid fantasies.
Justin Cronin in The Summer Guest
Presque Isle County, located in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The county's earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi, who inhabited the region long before the arrival of European settlers. These tribes relied on the area's natural resources, including the dense forests and abundant wildlife, for sustenance and trade.

European exploration and settlement began in the 17th and 18th centuries, with French fur traders venturing into the region. The area witnessed increased exploration and the establishment of trading posts in the early 19th century, as the fur trade industry expanded. In 1836, Presque Isle County was formally organized by the Michigan territorial legislature, making it one of the oldest counties in the state.

The county's development was greatly influenced by its natural resources, particularly timber and limestone. The abundance of beech, birch, and maple trees led to the establishment of logging operations, which played a significant role in the economic growth of Presque Isle County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The County also became known for its limestone, which was quarried and used for construction and various industrial purposes.

Presque Isle County's economy later diversified, with an increasing focus on tourism and recreational activities. With its picturesque shoreline along Lake Huron and numerous inland lakes, the county became a popular destination for fishermen, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1870, which has become a historical landmark and tourist attraction.

Today, Presque Isle County continues to thrive as a recreational paradise and a close-knit community that values its rich history. The county's residents take pride in preserving its natural beauty and heritage, making it an inviting place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

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

  • 1831 - Presque Isle County is organized and established.
  • 1833 - The first pioneer settles in the county.
  • 1839 - The first log schoolhouse is built in the county.
  • 1840 - The first sawmill is constructed in the county.
  • 1858 - Presque Isle Township is established.
  • 1860 - Presque Isle County's population reaches 1,024.
  • 1871 - Presque Isle Lighthouse is completed.
  • 1881 - The county seat is moved from Black Lake to Rogers City.
  • 1889 - Presque Isle County Courthouse is completed in Rogers City.
  • 1950 - The population of Presque Isle County reaches its peak at 13,945.
  • 1969 - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1976 - Presque Isle County Historical Museum is established in Rogers City.
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