Cordwood Point facts for kids
Cordwood Point is a piece of land that sticks out into Lake Huron in Cheboygan County, Michigan. It's a special spot that has a history connected to old steamboats and how they used to travel. Today, it's a quiet area with homes and summer cabins.
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Cordwood Point: A Spot in Michigan
Where is Cordwood Point?
Cordwood Point is located in the northern part of Michigan. It's about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of a town called Cheboygan. This point of land helps mark the eastern end of something called the South Channel. This channel is the southernmost path for boats traveling through the Straits of Mackinac. The Straits of Mackinac connect Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
Why is it Called Cordwood Point?
The name "Cordwood Point" comes from a long time ago. In the early days, steamboats on Lake Huron needed a lot of fuel. Their main fuel was wood, cut into measured stacks called "cordwood." Small steamboats would stop at Cordwood Point. They would pull up to docks that are now gone and load up on wood. This was a busy place for fueling up!
Over time, technology changed. Steamboats started using coal instead of wood for fuel. Because of this, the business of selling cordwood slowly disappeared. The point's name, however, reminds us of this important part of history. When the area was first divided into smaller parts, Cordwood Point became part of Benton Township.
What's There Now?
Today, Cordwood Point is mostly used for homes. Many people have built cabins and summer houses there. It's a popular place for vacations and enjoying the lake. U.S. Route 23, a main road, goes right through the point. This road helps people get to the small community that lives there.
Nearby Landmarks
Just 2.6 miles northwest of Cordwood Point, you can find the Poe Reef Light. This is a lighthouse that stands in the middle of the South Channel. Lighthouses like Poe Reef Light help guide boats safely through the water.