List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Wexford County facts for kids

Location of Wexford County in Michigan

Wexford County, Michigan, is a place with a rich history, especially linked to the lumber industry. All around the county, you can find special spots called Michigan State Historic Sites. These are places that the state of Michigan has officially recognized as important because of their history. Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the whole country!

Exploring Wexford County's Historic Places

Wexford County has many interesting places that tell stories about its past. From old buildings to important natural features, these sites help us understand how the area grew and changed over time.

Historic Sites in Cadillac

The city of Cadillac was once a busy center for the lumber industry. Many of its historic sites are connected to this important part of its past.

Cadillac City Hall

The Cadillac City Hall is an old building that used to be where the city's government worked. It's a great example of the architecture from its time and shows how the city organized itself as it grew.

Cadillac Public Library

The Cadillac Public Library is another historic building. It was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who helped fund many libraries across the country. This library has been a place for learning and reading for many years.

Clam Lake Canal

The Clam Lake Canal is a waterway that connects Lake Cadillac (formerly Clam Lake) to Lake Mitchell. This canal was very important for the lumber industry, allowing logs to be moved easily between the lakes. It helped the sawmills operate efficiently.

Cobbs and Mitchell Mill No. 1 Site

The Cobbs and Mitchell Mill No. 1 Site marks the location of a very important sawmill. The Cobbs and Mitchell company was a huge part of Cadillac's lumbering history. This site reminds us of the busy mills that once shaped the city.

Cobbs and Mitchell, Inc., Building

The Cobbs and Mitchell, Inc., Building was the main office for the big lumber company. It's a reminder of the powerful businesses that operated in Cadillac during the lumber boom.

Frank J. Cobbs House

The Frank J. Cobbs House was the home of Frank J. Cobbs, one of the founders of the Cobbs and Mitchell lumber company. This house shows how important these lumber leaders were to the community.

Charles T. Mitchell House

Similarly, the Charles T. Mitchell House was the home of Charles T. Mitchell, another key person in the Cobbs and Mitchell company. Both his and Frank Cobbs's homes reflect the wealth and influence of the lumber industry's leaders.

Shay Locomotive

The Shay Locomotive is a special type of train engine. These locomotives were designed to pull heavy loads of logs over rough, temporary tracks in the forests. The one in Cadillac is a great example of the technology used in the lumber industry. It's now a popular display in a city park.

Historic Sites in Manton

The city of Manton also has its own unique historical markers.

Battle of Manton Informational Designation

The Battle of Manton Informational Designation marks the site of an important event in the area's history. It tells the story of a conflict that took place there, helping us remember the challenges faced by early settlers.

Manton Fire Barn and City Hall

The Manton Fire Barn and City Hall is an old building that served two important purposes for the community. It housed the fire department and also served as the city's government building. It shows how communities organized essential services long ago.

Historic Sites in Other Areas

Beyond Cadillac and Manton, other parts of Wexford County also hold significant historical markers.

Caberfae Ski Resort Company Informational Site

The Caberfae Ski Resort Company Informational Site is located near Cadillac. This site recognizes the importance of Caberfae as one of Michigan's first ski resorts. It played a big role in developing winter sports in the state.

First Wexford County Courthouse Informational Site

The First Wexford County Courthouse Informational Site is in Sherman. This marker shows where the very first courthouse for Wexford County stood. It reminds us of the early days when Sherman was the county seat before Cadillac took over.

Greenwood Disciples of Christ Church

The Greenwood Disciples of Christ Church is a historic church located in Greenwood Township. Churches often served as central gathering places for early communities, and this one represents the spiritual and social life of the area.

Lumbering Industry Informational Site

The Lumbering Industry informational site, located north of Manton, highlights the overall importance of the lumber industry to Wexford County. This industry shaped the landscape, economy, and communities of the entire region for many years.

Images for kids

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  The informational marker for the Battle of Manton.

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  The sign marking the Caberfae Ski Resort Company site.

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  The historic Old Cadillac City Hall building.

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  The Cadillac Public Library, a Carnegie library.

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  A view near the Clam Lake Canal, part of Mitchell State Park.

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  The informational sign for the Cobbs and Mitchell Mill No. 1 Site.

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  The Cobbs and Mitchell, Inc., Building.

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  The historic Frank J. Cobbs House.

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  The marker for the First Wexford County Courthouse in Sherman.

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  The Manton Fire Barn and City Hall building.

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  The historic Charles T. Mitchell House.

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  The Shay Locomotive on display in Cadillac.