Ontonagon County

Ontonagon County is a county located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordered by the Ontonagon River to the east and Lake Superior to the north. The county is situated near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and is known for its natural beauty, with numerous waterfalls, such as the Bond Falls and Agate Falls, and scenic hiking trails, including the North Country Trail. The county seat, Ontonagon, is a small town located on the shores of Lake Superior, near the Ontonagon Harbor and the Ontonagon Lighthouse. The area is also home to the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival and the Ontonagon County Fair.

Geography

The geography of the county is characterized by its rugged terrain, with numerous hills, valleys, and lakes, including Lake Gogebic and Lake of the Clouds. The county is bordered by Gogebic County to the west, Iron County to the south, and Houghton County to the east. The Ontonagon River flows through the county and empties into Lake Superior, which is also home to the Isle Royale National Park. The county's terrain is also dotted with numerous mines, including the Copper Harbor Mines and the Central Mine, which were once operated by companies such as the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company and the Quincy Mining Company. The area is also known for its forests, including the Ottawa National Forest and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which are managed by the United States Forest Service.

History

The history of the county dates back to the early 19th century, when it was inhabited by the Ojibwe and Ottawa Native American tribes. The area was later settled by European-Americans, including French and British colonists, who established trading posts and missions, such as the La Pointe Mission and the Grand Marais Mission. The county was officially established on March 9, 1843, and was named after the Ontonagon River, which was in turn named after the Ontonagon Native American tribe. The area played an important role in the Copper Country mining boom of the late 19th century, with companies such as the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company and the Quincy Mining Company operating in the area. The county was also home to the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, which was established in 1844 and played a significant role in the Patriot War.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the county was approximately 5,800 people, with a population density of about 7 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European-American, Native American, and African American residents. The median household income in the county is around $40,000, and the median home value is around $120,000. The county is also home to a number of schools, including the Ontonagon Area Schools and the Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District, which are part of the Western Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. The area is served by the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Communities

The county is home to a number of communities, including the city of Ontonagon, which is the county seat, as well as the townships of Bergland Township, Carp Lake Township, and Interior Township. The area is also home to the Village of Ewen and the Village of Trout Creek. The county is situated near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The area is also home to the Ontonagon County Airport and the Houghton County Memorial Airport.

Economy

The economy of the county is primarily based on tourism, with many visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is also home to a number of mines, including the Copper Harbor Mines and the Central Mine, which are operated by companies such as the Lundin Mining and the Rio Tinto Group. The area is also known for its agriculture, with many farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. The county is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, which are supported by organizations such as the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation and the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region.

Government

The government of the county is headed by the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners, which is composed of five members elected by the residents of the county. The county is also served by the Ontonagon County Sheriff's Department and the Ontonagon County Circuit Court. The area is represented in the Michigan State Legislature by the 110th District and the 38th District. The county is also part of the Western Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. The area is served by the United States Postal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Category:Counties in Michigan