Jacktown, Michigan facts for kids

Jacktown was a small village in Empire Township, Leelanau County, Michigan, United States. It was located near Empire in the early 1900s. Sometimes people mistakenly called it "Osborn," which was another small town nearby. Jacktown was built along a railroad called the Empire and Southeastern Railroad. This railroad started by moving logs, but later it also carried passengers. It connected Empire Junction to another railroad further south in Benzie County.

What Was Jacktown?

Jacktown was a type of place often called a "company town." These towns usually grew up around a specific business, like a logging company or a mine. The company would often build homes and stores for its workers. Jacktown's life was closely tied to the Empire and Southeastern Railroad. The railroad was very important for moving goods and people in the early 1900s.

Where Was Jacktown Located?

Jacktown was situated off a road known as Oviatt/County Line Road. This road also marked the border with Benzie County. The village was nestled in a wooded area. Its location was chosen because of its closeness to the railroad tracks.

Why Did Jacktown Disappear?

Today, Jacktown is mostly just an empty space in the forest. All that remains are parts of the old railroad tracks and some foundations from buildings. There's a local story that the town became empty because the water wells dried up one summer. However, it's more likely that Jacktown disappeared when the Empire and Southeastern Railroad stopped operating in the 1920s. Without the railroad, there was no reason for the town to exist.

Remembering Jacktown

Even though Jacktown is gone, some older people in the area still remember it. They might have heard stories about the village from their families. Much of the detailed information about Jacktown has been lost over time. The Bland Cemetery is located near where Jacktown used to be. Many people who once lived in Jacktown are buried there. Jacktown is also mentioned in a book called Ghost Towns of Michigan. This book was written by a local historian named Lawrence (Larry) Wakefield.