Montmorency County, Michigan

Montmorency County, Michigan is a county located in the northern United States, in the state of Michigan, and is part of the Northern Michigan region, which includes Alpena County, Cheboygan County, and Presque Isle County. The county is bordered by Alpena County to the east, Alcona County to the southeast, Oscoda County to the south, Crawford County to the southwest, and Otsego County to the west. The county seat is Atlanta, and the largest city is Lewiston, which is also home to the Lewiston Community Airport.

Geography

Montmorency County is located in the Great Lakes region, with its geography characterized by numerous lakes, including Long Lake (Michigan), Hillman Lake, and Clear Lake (Michigan). The county is also home to several rivers, such as the Thunder Bay River and the Cheboygan River, which flow into Lake Huron. The county's terrain is mostly forested, with hardwood and softwood trees, including oak, maple, and pine. The county is also part of the Au Sable State Forest, which is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

History

The area that is now Montmorency County was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Ottawa Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The county was established in 1881 and was named after the Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada. The county's early economy was based on logging and agriculture, with the Michigan Central Railroad and the Detroit and Mackinac Railway playing important roles in the county's development. The county is also home to the Hillman Community Schools and the Atlanta Community Schools, which are part of the Michigan Department of Education.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Montmorency County was 9,153, with a population density of 17 people per square mile. The county's population is predominantly White American, with smaller populations of African American, Asian American, and Native American residents. The county's median household income is around $40,000, with a per capita income of around $20,000. The county is also home to several churches, including the United Methodist Church, the Catholic Church, and the Lutheran Church.

Communities

Montmorency County has several communities, including the city of Lewiston, the village of Hillman, and the townships of Albert Township, Briley Township, and Rust Township. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities, including Atlanta and Canada Creek Ranch. The county is served by the Montmorency County Road Commission and the Michigan State Police.

Government

The government of Montmorency County is headed by the Montmorency County Board of Commissioners, which is composed of seven members elected by the county's residents. The county is also part of the Michigan 1st congressional district, which is represented by Jack Bergman in the United States House of Representatives. The county is also served by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Economy

The economy of Montmorency County is based on several industries, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The county is home to several farms, including dairy farms and crop farms, which produce milk, corn, and soybeans. The county is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including those producing automotive parts and wood products. The county is also served by the Montmorency County Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The county's economy is also influenced by its proximity to Lake Huron and the Great Lakes, which provide opportunities for fishing and boating. The county is also home to several festivals and events, including the Atlanta Festival and the Lewiston Festival, which attract visitors from across the state, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City.