Houghton County Organized

Michigan’s Copper Country Boomtown

Houghton County, nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has a history as rich as the copper veins. Those veins once made it a national mining powerhouse. From its earliest settlers in the 1840s to its booming copper industry after the Civil War, this county played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economy and culture.

The Rise of Copper Country

On March 19, 1845 Houghton County was organized. Named after Douglass Houghton, Michigan’s first state geologist, the county quickly grew into the heart of the Copper Country. By the 1870s, the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company was responsible for half of the nation’s copper production, fueling an economic and population explosion. By 1900, Houghton County boasted 66,000 residents, making it the fourth most populous county in Michigan at the time.

An Immigration Melting Pot

The allure of work in the copper mines attracted immigrants from all over the world. By 1910, a staggering 40.6% of the county’s 88,098 residents were foreign-born, with Finnish immigrants making up a significant portion. Even today, the county retains its strong Finnish heritage. Over 32% of residents claiming Finnish ancestry in the 2010 census.

A Changing Landscape

Like many boomtowns, Houghton County saw its fortunes shift as mining declined. The population steadily dropped, and today, the county is home to about 37,000 residents. Yet, its legacy lives on in its historic sites, cultural traditions, and Michigan Technological University, which was founded in 1885 to train mining engineers and continues to be a major presence in the region.

From its early mining days to its modern identity, Houghton County remains a fascinating chapter in Michigan’s history. Whether you’re a history buff, a descendant of Copper Country immigrants, or just love a good boomtown story, Houghton’s past is one worth exploring!

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.