Baraga County MIGenWeb

MIGenWeb Project 

1893 Historical Article

BARAGA COUNTY.

Baraga county was organized in 1875. It was taken from Houghton, and is bounded on the north by Houghton and Lake Superior, on the east and south by Marquette, and on the west by Houghton and Sturgeon river. L'Anse, a town of 1,500 inhabitants, is the county seat. It has an area of 900 square miles, and had a population in 1890 of 3,036. The surface of the country is generally undulating, although some level land is found in the Sturgeon Bay valley and in the southeastern townships.

The county is well watered by a number of streams, the Sturgeon river, on the western side, being the largest river in the upper peninsula. Ample water power is afforded by several of these streams. Nearly every variety of soil is found, the valley lands being particularly rich. The subsoil in most parts consists of gravel, sand and clay, underneath which can be found either slate rock or sandstone. The timber consists of sugar maple, pine, hemlock, birch, cedar, spruce balsam and Norway pine. Some wheat is raised, but the principal crops are hay, oats, potatoes, beans and garden vegetables, all of which find a ready market. Fruit growing is in its infancy, yet several varieties of apples and cherries are grown successfully. Clearing costs about $15 per acre. Hardwood brings from $3 to $4 per cord; softwood about $2. Farmers do not plow for the first crop.

There are 34,346 acres subject to entry or sale. Many of these lands are desirable for agricultural purposes, and can be had at prices ranging from $1.50 to $5 per acre. Three State roads lead out from L'Anse in different directions, rendering all parts of the county accessible. Snow falls in November and leaves about April 1. The winters are very steady and the climate may be said to be exceptionally fine. Farmers commence work about the 1st of May. Free schools are open ten months in the year.

A number of iron mines are in constant operation, and stone and slate quarries are being successfully developed. These, with the lumbering and fishing industries, cause a demand for labor at all times, which is often hard to supply. The Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic railroad crosses the county, also the Houghton branch passes through L'Anse. Railroads are projected which, with the excellent water communication (there being eighty miles of sea coast), will very materially aid the commercial enterprises of this new and rapidly developing county.

SOURCE: Michigan and Its Resources
By Michigan Dept. of State 1893