Marquette, Michigan

Marquette, Michigan
Name	Marquette, Michigan
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Michigan
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Marquette County, Michigan
Named for	Jacques Marquette
Leader title	Mayor
Population as of	2020 United States Census
Population total	20,629
Timezone	Eastern
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	49855
Area code	906
Area code type	Area code
Blank1 name	FIPS code
Blank1 info	26-52000
Blank2 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank2 info	0631703

Marquette, Michigan is a city located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, situated on the shores of Lake Superior. The city is named after Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary and explorer who founded Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and St. Ignace, Michigan. Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University, a public university that offers a range of academic programs, including those in environmental science, nursing, and business administration. The city is also close to the Hiawatha National Forest and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking with United States Forest Service and National Park Service.

Geography

Marquette is situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the shores of Lake Superior. The city is surrounded by the Marquette County and is close to the Hiawatha National Forest and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The city's geography is characterized by its proximity to the Lake Superior shoreline, with many parks and beaches, such as McCarty's Cove and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering stunning views of the lake. The city is also near the Yellow Dog River and the Dead River, which offer opportunities for fishing and boating with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and United States Coast Guard. Marquette is located near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Ottawa National Forest, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking and skiing with the United States Forest Service.

History

The area that is now Marquette was first inhabited by the Ojibwe people, who were attracted to the area's natural resources, including copper and iron ore. The city was founded in 1849 by Amos Rogers, who established a sawmill and a furnace to process the area's natural resources. The city was named after Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary and explorer who founded Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and St. Ignace, Michigan. During the late 19th century, Marquette experienced significant growth, driven by the mining and lumber industries, with companies like the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company and the Marquette Iron Company playing a major role in the city's development. The city was also an important stop on the Soo Locks and the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad, which connected the city to other major cities in the region, including Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Marquette was 20,629. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans. The city is home to a significant number of students who attend Northern Michigan University, which is located in the city. Marquette is also a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the city's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with attractions like the Marquette Maritime Museum and the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. The city has a strong sense of community, with many residents who are involved in local organizations, such as the Marquette County Historical Society and the Marquette Community Foundation.

Economy

The economy of Marquette is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and tourism. The city is home to Northern Michigan University, which is a major employer in the area. The city is also a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the city's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with attractions like the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest. The city has a strong small business community, with many local shops and restaurants, such as the Marquette Food Co-op and the Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery. The city is also close to the Empire Mine, which is a major iron ore mine that is operated by the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company.

Education

Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University, a public university that offers a range of academic programs, including those in environmental science, nursing, and business administration. The university is known for its strong programs in outdoor recreation and environmental studies, and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The city is also served by the Marquette Area Public Schools, which operates several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in the area. The city is close to the Michigan Technological University and the Finlandia University, which offer a range of academic programs, including those in engineering and arts.

Culture

Marquette has a rich cultural scene, with a mix of arts, music, and outdoor recreation. The city is home to the Marquette Symphony Orchestra and the Marquette Choral Society, which offer a range of musical performances throughout the year. The city is also home to the Marquette Art Museum and the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, which offer a range of exhibits and activities for visitors. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Marquette Summer Festival and the Marquette Winter Festival, which celebrate the city's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is close to the Soo Locks and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, which offer a range of exhibits and activities related to the city's maritime history.

Category:Cities in Michigan