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Matchwood Township, Michigan facts for kids

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Matchwood Township, Michigan
Location within Ontonagon County
Location within Ontonagon County
Matchwood Township, Michigan is located in Michigan
Matchwood Township, Michigan
Matchwood Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Matchwood Township, Michigan is located in the United States
Matchwood Township, Michigan
Matchwood Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Michigan
County Ontonagon
Area
 • Total 109.53 sq mi (283.7 km2)
 • Land 109.52 sq mi (283.7 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
1,257 ft (383 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 90
 • Density 0.86/sq mi (0.33/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
49910 (Bergland)
49925 (Ewen)
49953 (Painesdale)
Area code(s) 906
FIPS code 26-52320
GNIS feature ID 1626709

Matchwood Township is a small community located in Ontonagon County, in the state of Michigan, United States. It is known as a civil township, which is a type of local government area. In 2020, about 90 people lived here.

Where is Matchwood Township?

Matchwood Township is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It covers a total area of about 109.53 square miles (283.68 square kilometers). Most of this area, 109.52 square miles (283.65 square kilometers), is land. Only a tiny part, 0.01 square miles (0.03 square kilometers), is water.

The Community of Matchwood

Within Matchwood Township, there is a small place called Matchwood. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It is located on M-28, a main road. This spot is about 6 miles west of Ewen and 9 miles east of Bergland.

History of Matchwood Community

The community of Matchwood got its name from the Diamond Match Company. This company owned many of the pine forests in the area. In 1888, the company started the settlement to support its logging camps. These camps were where workers lived while cutting down trees.

Matchwood received its own Post Office in 1889, which helped connect it to other places. However, the community faced challenges. In 1893, a large forest fire nearly destroyed it. The people rebuilt their homes and businesses. But sadly, another big fire ruined the community again in 1906. Despite these difficulties, the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway (now known as the Soo Line Railroad) passed through Matchwood, which was important for transporting goods and people.

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