Chassell, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chassell, Michigan
Ginoozhe-wiikwed (Ojibwe)
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Downtown Chassell along US Highway 41
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| Nickname(s):
"Strawberry Capital of the Upper Peninsula"
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 Chassell, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Michigan |
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| County | Houghton | |
| Township | Chassell | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.62 sq mi (9.37 km2) | |
| • Land | 3.62 sq mi (9.36 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 876 | |
| • Density | 242.32/sq mi (93.57/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code(s) |
49916
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| Area code(s) | 906 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2806333 | |
Chassell (/tʃæ.səl/ CHAH-səl) is a small community in Houghton County, Michigan. It's known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). In 2020, about 876 people lived here. Chassell is located in the Upper Peninsula, right on the shore of Portage Lake. Even though it's not a city on its own, it has its own post office with the ZIP code 49916.
Chassell is famous for its Copper County Strawberry Festival. This fun event happens every year, the weekend after the 4th of July.
Contents
History of Chassell
Early Days and Land Ownership
The land where Chassell is today was first bought in 1855. It was purchased from the state of Michigan by a company called the St. Mary's Canal and Land Company. One of the first buildings was a log cabin. It was built in 1863 by Francis Jacker near the Sturgeon River.
John Chassell's Influence
In 1867, a man named John Chassell (1814–1883) from New York bought farmland. This land is where the community of Chassell now stands. John Chassell helped start the First National Bank of Houghton in 1865. He also helped create the Houghton County Historical Society.
Lumber Industry and New Name
John Chassell sold his land in 1881 to Orrin W. Robinson. Robinson was in charge of the Sturgeon River Lumber Company. He later became the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. The lumber company moved its main operations to Chassell in 1887-1888. Around this time, a train line, the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, reached Chassell. The first post office opened here in February 1888.
The area was first called Pike's Bay, then Robinson. However, there was another post office named Robinson in Michigan. So, the name was changed to Chassell. This honored John Chassell, who had owned the land. On April 14, 1888, Chassell Township was officially formed.
Chassell Today
For the 2020 census, Chassell was officially listed. It became a new census-designated place.
Geography of Chassell
Location and Size
Chassell is located on Pike Bay. This bay is part of Portage Lake. It's also near the mouth of the Sturgeon River. The community is about 6.1 miles (9.8 km) south of the city of Houghton.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Chassell community covers about 3.62 square miles (9.37 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Education in Chassell
Chassell School Complex
The old high school building in Chassell was built in 1912. An elementary school was added in 1917. These buildings are now on the National Register of Historic Places. They are known as the Chassell School Complex.
Modern Schooling
In 1992, students moved to the new Chassell Township School. This school serves students from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
Transportation in Chassell
Bus Service
You can travel to and from Chassell by bus. Indian Trails bus lines offer daily service. This service connects Hancock, Michigan, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Major Highway
- US Highway 41 runs through Chassell. It goes north and south.
- You can use this highway to reach towns like Baraga, L'Anse, and Marquette to the south.
- To the north, it connects to Houghton and Hancock.
Images for kids
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Flag of Chassell
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Downtown Chassell
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Post office
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Chassell Historical Organization
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Chassell School Complex
