About Baraga Township
The character of Baraga Township is reflected in its natural features - the Keweenaw Bay, rolling hillsides, farmlands, lakes, streams, woodlands, and open spaces help define those traits that draw people to the area. In the past, major alteration and destruction of these natural features produced far-reaching impacts, some of which can still be seen today. The Township's residents are aware of the quality of their environment and support strong policies in favor of protecting the Township's natural features.
The Value of Natural Features
Natural features provide an essential element of the quality of life in Baraga Township. In addition to their recreational value, other benefits of natural features include:
- Clean water supplies for homes served by wells
- Wildlife habitats
- Groundwater recharge and purification, flood control, pollution protection, and the support of unique plant and animal life
- Productive agricultural land
- Aesthetics (views, serenity, rural nature, etc.)
The History of Baraga Township
In 1875, Baraga County was organized by an act of the legislature, with the county seat established in L'Anse. James Bendry became Supervisor of Baraga Township as it then existed, and he served from 1875 to 1882.
Bendry started a steam-operated sawmill in 1864 in Baraga. The next company to establish a mill was the Sturgeon River Company, founded in 1883. This mill was later purchased by the Nester brothers of Saginaw, Michigan, who continued to operate it for several years.
The Nester mill competed with John Fink's mill. The Nesters' influence on Baraga continued in later years through the shipyards they established to build barges. The barges were designed to carry one million board feet per trip.
In the 1860s, the Northern Peninsula of Michigan was rapidly emerging as the most promising mineral region in all of North America. An army of prospectors swarmed through the hills, valleys, and mountains, and new discoveries were constantly being made; mills and furnaces were constantly going up; the yield of bullion was steadily on the increase; capital was seeking investment; railroads penetrated in every direction, and the career of Baraga County was onward and upward.
In 1891, the village of Baraga was incorporated. The combined population of the village and township was 2,097. The formation of Covington Township in 1893 changed the geographical boundaries of Baraga Township. The first Supervisor of Baraga Township, as we know it today, was L. J. Callagher.
There were as many as 17 one-room schools in Baraga Township in the early 1900s. These schools were rural one-room schools, first heated by a fireplace, and later by a pot-bellied stove.