Ogemaw County

Ogemaw County is a county located in the United States, specifically in the state of Michigan, and is part of the Saginaw, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county is situated near the Au Sable State Forest and is home to several notable lakes, including Lake George and West Twin Lake. Ogemaw County is also close to the Rifle River State Recreation Area and the Tawas Point State Park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts like Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. The county's economy is influenced by nearby cities, including Saginaw, Michigan, Bay City, Michigan, and Midland, Michigan, which are connected by US-23 and I-75.

Geography

Ogemaw County is located in the northeastern part of Michigan, bordering Gladwin County, Michigan to the south, Roscommon County, Michigan to the west, and Iosco County, Michigan to the east. The county's terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes, including Cedar Lake and Fletcher Pond, which are popular spots for Bassmasters and other fishing enthusiasts. The Au Sable River flows through the county, providing opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, similar to those found in Algonquin Provincial Park and Voyageurs National Park. Ogemaw County is also home to several parks, including the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds and the West Branch Township Park, which host events like the National Cherry Festival and the Michigan State Fair.

History

Ogemaw County was established in 1875 and was named after the Ojibwe word "ogimaa," meaning "chief" or "leader," which is also the origin of the name of the Ogima tribe. The county's history is closely tied to the logging industry, with many lumber camps and sawmills operating in the area, including those owned by Weyerhaeuser and Georgia-Pacific. The county was also home to several Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe and the Ottawa, who were influenced by the French colonization of the Americas and the Indian Removal Act. Ogemaw County played a significant role in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army and fighting in battles like the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Antietam.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Ogemaw County had a population of approximately 20,000 people, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans, including the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The county's population is spread across several townships, including West Branch Township, Michigan and Foster Township, Michigan, which are served by the West Branch-Rose City Area Schools and the Hale Area Schools. Ogemaw County has a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events like the Ogemaw County Fair and the West Branch Festival, which are similar to the National Folk Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Communities

Ogemaw County is home to several communities, including the city of West Branch, Michigan, which is the county seat and is located near the West Branch Township Hall and the Ogemaw County Courthouse. Other notable communities in the county include Skidway Lake, Michigan and Lupton, Michigan, which are served by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Ogemaw County Road Commission. The county is also home to several townships, including Foster Township, Michigan and Mills Township, Michigan, which are part of the Michigan Township Association and the National Association of Towns and Townships. Ogemaw County is close to several major cities, including Saginaw, Michigan, Bay City, Michigan, and Midland, Michigan, which are connected by US-23 and I-75.

Government

Ogemaw County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, infrastructure, and services, including the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Office and the West Branch Police Department. The county is also served by several state and federal agencies, including the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which work together to enforce laws like the USA PATRIOT Act and the Michigan Penal Code. Ogemaw County is part of the Michigan 4th congressional district and is represented in the United States Congress by John Moolenaar and Dan Kildee, who serve on committees like the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Natural Resources. The county's government is influenced by nearby institutions, including Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University, which are part of the Michigan Association of State Universities and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.