Clark Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clark Township, Michigan
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Clark Township Community Center
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Location within Mackinac County
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 Clark Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Clark Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Mackinac |
| Established | 1905 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 101.60 sq mi (263.14 km2) |
| • Land | 78.97 sq mi (204.53 km2) |
| • Water | 22.63 sq mi (58.61 km2) |
| Elevation | 673 ft (205 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,917 |
| • Density | 26.0/sq mi (10.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code(s) |
49719 (Cedarville)
49745 (Hessel) |
| Area code(s) | 906 |
| FIPS code | 26-097-16060 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626088 |
Clark Township is a special kind of local government area called a civil township. It is located in Mackinac County in the state of Michigan, USA. In 2020, about 1,917 people lived here.
Contents
How Clark Township Began
Clark Township was officially created in February 1905. It was formed by combining two older townships: Sherwood Township and Cedar Township. Cedar Township itself was established earlier, in March 1887.
Exploring Clark Township's Location
Clark Township is found at the very eastern edge of Mackinac County. To its west and northwest, it shares a border with Marquette Township. To the northeast, it is next to Chippewa County. To the south, it meets the big waters of Lake Huron.
The U.S. Census Bureau says that Clark Township covers a total area of about 101.60 square miles (263.14 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 78.97 square miles (204.53 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 22.63 square miles (58.61 square kilometers), is water. This means about 22% of the township is covered by water! The southern part of the township is especially interesting because it has many bays and inlets from Lake Huron. It is also home to the beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands.
Communities in Clark Township
Clark Township is made up of several smaller communities, each with its own unique story.
Cedarville: A Historic Hub
Cedarville is a community located where two main roads, M-129 and M-134, meet. It's just north of the Les Cheneaux Islands. Cedarville started as a place for lumber workers on the shore of Lake Huron in 1884. A post office opened there in July 1888. Most of Clark Township uses the ZIP code 49719, which is for Cedarville. If you visit, you can learn about the area's past at the Les Cheneaux Historical Association, which runs both the Historical Museum and the Maritime Museum in Cedarville.
Coryell Islands: A Former Post Office
The Coryell Islands are also part of this township. They once had their own post office, which operated from 1908 until 1958.
Hessel: Home of Wooden Boats
Hessel is another community found on M-134. It's north of Marquette Island, which is the biggest of the Les Cheneaux Islands. Hessel was founded in 1885 by two Swedish men and one Norwegian man. A post office was established there in September 1888. The ZIP code for Hessel and the western part of Clark Township is 49745. Hessel is famous for its annual Antique Wooden Boat Show and Festival of the Arts. This fun event happens every year at the public docks on the second weekend of August. Hessel is also home to the Les Cheneaux Culinary School.
Patrick Landing: A Scenic Spot
Patrick Landing is a specific named place in the township. It is located about one mile southwest of Cedarville, right on the Les Cheneaux Channel.
Port Dolomite: A Busy Port
Port Dolomite is a commercial port located at the eastern end of the township. This port is very important for shipping. In 2004, it was ranked as the 93rd largest port in the United States based on the amount of goods it handled.
Education in Clark Township
All the students in Clark Township attend schools within the Les Cheneaux Community Schools district. The main school facilities are located in Cedarville.
