List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Keweenaw County facts for kids
Welcome to Keweenaw County, Michigan! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories from the past. These special spots are called Michigan State Historic Sites. They are chosen because they are important to Michigan's history. Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the whole country!
Contents
Exploring Historic Places in Keweenaw County
Keweenaw County has many interesting historic sites. Let's explore some of them and learn about their history.
Historic Sites in Central
The town of Central was once a busy mining community. Many historic places here remind us of its past.
Central Mine: A Look into Copper Mining
The Central Mine was a very important copper mine. It is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east of Phoenix on US 41. This mine helped Michigan become famous for its copper. It was recognized as a historic site on February 19, 1958.
Central Mine Historic District: A Whole Community's Story
The Central Mine Historic District includes the mine and the surrounding area. It shows what life was like for miners and their families. This district is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It became a historic site on November 15, 1973.
Central Mine Methodist Church: A Place of Worship
The Central Mine Methodist Church is a beautiful old church. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of US 41. This church was a central part of the community for the miners and their families. It was listed as a historic site on July 17, 1970.
Historic Sites in Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor is a town at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It has a rich history tied to shipping and defense.
Copper Harbor Cemetery: Resting Place of Pioneers
The Copper Harbor Cemetery is a quiet place where many early settlers are buried. It is located 0.3 miles (0.48 km) south of US-41 from Gratiot Street. This cemetery tells the story of the people who built Copper Harbor. It became a historic site on January 8, 1981.
Copper Harbor Lighthouse: Guiding Ships Home
The Copper Harbor Lighthouse stands tall near Fort Wilkins State Park. Lighthouses were very important for guiding ships safely through the Great Lakes. This lighthouse helped ships carrying copper ore. It was listed as a historic site on February 22, 1974.
Fort Wilkins: A Military Outpost
Fort Wilkins is a well-preserved military fort from the 1840s. It is located within Fort Wilkins State Park. Soldiers were stationed here to keep peace during the copper rush. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Wilkins became a historic site on July 19, 1956.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge: A Rustic Retreat
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and Golf Course Complex is southwest of Copper Harbor on US 41. This lodge was built during the Great Depression. It offered a place for people to relax and enjoy nature. It was recognized as a historic site on June 18, 1976.
Historic Sites in Eagle Harbor
Eagle Harbor was another important port for shipping copper.
Eagle Harbor House: A Home by the Lake
The Eagle Harbor House is a historic home located at the corner of Front Street and Center. It shows how people lived in this lakeside community. It became a historic site on December 3, 1998.
Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse: Learning in the Past
The Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse is found at Third and Center streets. This old schoolhouse taught generations of children in Eagle Harbor. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed as a historic site on December 10, 1971.
Holy Redeemer Church: A Community Landmark
The Holy Redeemer Church is at the west end of Center Street. This church has been a spiritual center for the community for many years. It was recognized as a historic site on February 19, 1958.
Historic Sites in Eagle River
Eagle River is the county seat of Keweenaw County. It has important government buildings and memorials.
Eagle River Cemetery: Stories in Stone
The Eagle River Cemetery is located on M-26. Like other cemeteries, it holds the history of the people who lived and worked in Eagle River. It became a historic site on July 17, 1986.
Douglass Houghton Informational Designation: Honoring a Pioneer
This informational marker honors Douglass Houghton, a very important geologist. He explored Michigan's Upper Peninsula and helped discover its rich copper deposits. The marker is at 5059 Fourth Street. It was designated a historic site in 2016.
Keweenaw County Courthouse Complex: Where Decisions Are Made
The Keweenaw County Courthouse Complex is on Fourth Street in the public square. This building is where important county decisions have been made for many years. It became a historic site on November 3, 1976.
Lake Shore Drive Bridge: Crossing the River
The Lake Shore Drive Bridge crosses the Eagle River on Lake Shore Drive. Bridges are vital for connecting communities. This bridge is an example of early engineering in the area. It was listed as a historic site on May 10, 1990.
Historic Sites on Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale is a large island in Lake Superior, part of Keweenaw County. It has unique historic sites related to fishing and lighthouses.
Edisen Fishery: A Fishing Legacy
The Edisen Fishery is on the south side of Rock Harbor, near Middle Islands Passage. This fishery shows how people lived and fished on Isle Royale. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It became a historic site on June 18, 1976.
Rock Harbor Lighthouse: Another Guiding Light
The Rock Harbor Lighthouse is also on the south side of Rock Harbor. It helped guide boats through the waters around Isle Royale. It was recognized as a historic site on June 18, 1976.
See also
Images for kids
-
Cliff Mine Office
-
Central Mine Historic District
-
Central Mine Methodist Church
-
Copper Harbor Cemetery
-
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
-
Eagle Harbor House
-
Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse
-
Evergreen Cemetery-Eagle River
-
The Edisen Fishery
-
Fort Wilkins State Park
-
Holy Redeemer Church
-
Douglass Houghton
-
Keweenaw County Courthouse
-
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
-
Lake Shore Drive Bridge
-
Rock Harbor Lighthouse
