Marquette County, Michigan

Marquette County, Michigan
Bobak Ha'Eri · CC BY 3.0 · source
County	Marquette County
State	Michigan
Founded	March 9, 1843
Seat	Marquette, Michigan
Largest city	Marquette, Michigan
Area total sq mi	3471
Area land sq mi	1824
Area water sq mi	1647
Population as of	2020
Population total	66424
Population density sq mi	36

Marquette County, Michigan is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Alger County, Michigan to the east, Schoolcraft County, Michigan to the southeast, Delta County, Michigan to the south, and Dickinson County, Michigan and Iron County, Michigan to the west. The county is home to Northern Michigan University, Marquette General Hospital, and the Marquette Branch Prison. The county seat, Marquette, Michigan, is a major port on Lake Superior and a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and fishing on the Dead River and Yellow Dog River.

Geography

Marquette County, Michigan is situated in the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with a diverse geography that includes forests, lakes, and wetlands. The county is bordered by Lake Superior to the north, with the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located along the lake's shoreline. The Hurricane River and Au Train River flow through the county, emptying into Lake Superior. The county's terrain is characterized by glacial features, including drumlins and eskers, which were formed during the last ice age. The Marquette Mountain ski resort is a popular destination for winter sports, with trails that wind through the forests of Maple and Birch trees.

History

The area that is now Marquette County, Michigan was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Ottawa Native American tribes, who hunted and fished in the region's abundant forests and lakes. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, with the establishment of the Marquette Iron Company and the Jackson Iron Company. The county was officially organized on March 9, 1843, and was named after Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary who explored the region in the 17th century. The county played an important role in the American Civil War, with many of its residents serving in the Union Army and the 20th Michigan Infantry Regiment. The county is also home to the Marquette Maritime Museum, which showcases the region's rich maritime history, including the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the SS Carl D. Bradley.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Marquette County, Michigan was 66,424, with a population density of 36 people per square mile. The county has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to Northern Michigan University, which is one of the largest employers in the county, as well as the Marquette General Hospital and the UP Health System. The county has a high percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher, with many attending institutions such as Michigan Technological University, Lake Superior State University, and the University of Michigan.

Transportation

Marquette County, Michigan has a well-developed transportation network, with several major highways and roads passing through the county. The US-41 and M-28 highways connect the county to other parts of the Upper Peninsula and the rest of Michigan, while the Sawyer International Airport provides air service to destinations such as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The county is also home to the Marquette Branch Prison, which is accessible by US-41 and M-35. The Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad and the Wisconsin Central Ltd. provide rail service to the county, with connections to other parts of the United States and Canada.

Communities

Marquette County, Michigan has several communities, including the city of Marquette, Michigan, which is the county seat and largest city. Other communities in the county include the townships of Chocolay Charter Township, Michigan, Ewing Township, Michigan, and West Branch Township, Michigan, as well as the villages of Gwinn, Michigan and Ishpeming, Michigan. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities, including Big Bay, Michigan and Negaunee, Michigan. The county has a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events such as the Marquette Summer Festival and the Ishpeming Winter Carnival.

Government

The government of Marquette County, Michigan is headed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget and policies. The county has several departments, including the Marquette County Sheriff's Office, the Marquette County Clerk's Office, and the Marquette County Treasurer's Office. The county is also home to several courts, including the Marquette County Circuit Court and the Marquette County District Court. The county has a strong relationship with neighboring counties, including Alger County, Michigan and Schoolcraft County, Michigan, and participates in regional organizations such as the Upper Peninsula Commission and the Michigan Association of Counties. The county is represented in the Michigan State Senate by the 38th district and in the Michigan House of Representatives by the 109th district.