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