Masonic Temple Building
122--126 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI Local significance of the building: Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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.
About National Register Listings
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 was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
About Wexford County
Wexford County Timeline
Wexford County, located in northern Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa and Chippewa, who relied on the land for hunting and gathering. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, primarily of Irish descent, and established the county in 1840.
During the mid-1800s, Wexford County experienced a significant increase in population due to the logging industry. The vast forests provided ample resources, and logging camps were established, attracting workers from all over the country. The lumber industry played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and economy of the county.
The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further accelerated the growth of Wexford County. This allowed for easier transportation of lumber, agricultural products, and other goods. The county's primary city, Cadillac, became a central hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and settlers to the area.
In the 20th century, Wexford County transitioned from a primarily lumber-based economy to a more diverse one. The decline of the logging industry led to a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Wexford County is known for its natural scenic beauty, with lakes, rivers, and forests that provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The county also celebrates its history with various heritage festivals and cultural events.
Overall, Wexford County's history is intertwined with the rise and fall of the logging industry, the development of transportation infrastructure, and the shift towards a more diversified economy. It has evolved from a wilderness inhabited by Native American tribes to a thriving community that combines its rich history with a focus on nature-related tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
During the mid-1800s, Wexford County experienced a significant increase in population due to the logging industry. The vast forests provided ample resources, and logging camps were established, attracting workers from all over the country. The lumber industry played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and economy of the county.
The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further accelerated the growth of Wexford County. This allowed for easier transportation of lumber, agricultural products, and other goods. The county's primary city, Cadillac, became a central hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and settlers to the area.
In the 20th century, Wexford County transitioned from a primarily lumber-based economy to a more diverse one. The decline of the logging industry led to a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Wexford County is known for its natural scenic beauty, with lakes, rivers, and forests that provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The county also celebrates its history with various heritage festivals and cultural events.
Overall, Wexford County's history is intertwined with the rise and fall of the logging industry, the development of transportation infrastructure, and the shift towards a more diversified economy. It has evolved from a wilderness inhabited by Native American tribes to a thriving community that combines its rich history with a focus on nature-related tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Wexford County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wexford County, Michigan.
- 1839 - Wexford County is organized and officially recognized by the State of Michigan.
- 1840 - The first settlement in Wexford County is established in what is now known as Hanover Township.
- 1867 - The county seat is moved from Hanover to the newly established city of Cadillac.
- 1872 - The Michigan Central Railroad arrives in Cadillac, enhancing transportation and promoting growth in the county.
- 1881 - The logging industry booms in Wexford County, leading to rapid growth in the region.
- 1883 - The Wexford County Courthouse, a prominent landmark in Cadillac, is completed.
- 1899 - The famous Clam Lake Canal, connecting Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, is opened for navigation.
- 1907 - A disastrous fire sweeps through much of Cadillac, destroying a large portion of the city's central business district.
- 1923 - The first state park in Michigan, Mitchell State Park, is established near the city of Cadillac.
- 1944 - Wexford County experiences an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas resources.
- 1970 - The Wexford County Historical Society is founded to preserve and celebrate the county's heritage.