Historical Markers in
Shiawassee County, Michigan

Birthplace of Frederick Carl Frieseke Birthplace of Thomas Edmund Dewey Byron Byron Cemetery Byron Veterans Plaque Comstock Cabin Corunna Public Schools / Shiawassee Street School Curwood Castle Durand Railroad History / The Knights Templar Special Durand Union Station Ellen May Tower / Spanish-American War Nurse First Congregational Church and Society First National Bank Governor Parsons Herman C. Frieseke House / Frederick Carl Frieske Homesite of Doctor John B. Barnes Hugh McCurdy / Hugh McCurdy Park Judd's Corners Judge Elias Comstock Knaggs Bridge Area Maple River Methodist Episcopal Church Reference Mark for Michigan Center of Population Saint Mary's Church Sandula Clock Tower Shiawassee County Courthouse Steam Railroading Institute The First House in Owosso The Site of the First School House in Owosso The Studio of James Oliver Curwood Walk of History Woodhull Township Hall / Shaftsburg School
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Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers Paperback – May 27, 2005
Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers

Michigan is two mittens, our own mitten and the Lower Peninsula, and this is the hand that I always hold out to the world.
Russell Kirk in The Michigan Travel Journal, 1968
Shiawassee County, located in the state of Michigan, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Pottawatomi, and Wyandot. The first recorded European settlement in the area occurred in 1822 when Benjamin Rush and his family arrived from New York and established the community of Rushville. The county was officially organized in 1822 and named after the Shiawassee River that runs through it.

During the late 19th century, Shiawassee County experienced significant growth and development. The discovery of oil in 1880 led to the establishment of several oil fields, attracting many settlers and transforming the county's economy. The Detroit, Grand Haven, and Milwaukee Railway also played a crucial role in the county's growth by providing improved transportation networks and fostering trade.

In the early 20th century, Shiawassee County faced challenges brought about by the Great Depression and World War II. However, the county's agricultural sector remained resilient, with the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products becoming the backbone of its economy. The construction of highways and the growth of the automobile industry also brought new opportunities for the county.

In recent years, Shiawassee County has continued to evolve. It has diversified its economy, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education emerging as important sectors. The county also boasts a rich cultural heritage, evident in its historical landmarks, museums, and annual events that celebrate its past. Today, Shiawassee County is a thriving community that balances its agricultural roots with modern developments, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shiawassee County, Michigan.

  • 1822: Shiawassee County is established and named after the Shiawassee River.
  • 1827: The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1836: Owosso becomes the county seat.
  • 1851: The first railroad, the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, is completed in the county.
  • 1863: The first oil well is drilled in Shiawassee County, leading to a brief oil boom.
  • 1881: The first electric streetcars are introduced in Owosso.
  • 1893: The county courthouse, known as the Shiawassee County Courthouse, is built in Owosso.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits the county, causing significant economic hardships.
  • 1950s-1970s: Manufacturing and industrial growth leads to economic development in the county.
  • 1989: The Shiawassee Arts Center is established in Owosso.
  • 2000s: The county experiences population growth and continues to develop its agricultural, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.