County: Otsego (69)

Created from: The former Northwest Territory in 1840.

Boundary finalized: 1869 (Loss Hudson Township to Charlevoix County)

Population: 1900 = 6,175  |  2000 = 23,301

County History

Before European settlement, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Ottawa and Chippewa. The county was initially established in 1840 as "Okkuddo" County, but was renamed "Otsego" in 1843. The county was officially organized in 1875.

According to surveyors, Otsego County was a wilderness with abundant pine and hardwood forests. There was some early logging but the county lacked sufficient rivers or rail transportation to bring product to market.

In 1872, Otsego Lake village was the first permanent settlement in the county on the east side of Otsego Lake and was the first county seat in 1875 (changed to Gaylord in 1877). The Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw railroad arrived from Bay City the same year. The following year (1873) the railroad was built north to what is now Gaylord and the area experienced rapid growth after that time. In 1881, following the end of the financial panic of 1873, the railroad - now under Michigan Central control - built north to Vanderbilt and the county line, ultimately extending to Cheboygan and Mackinaw City.

The late 19th century saw a boom in the lumber industry, which drove significant settlement in the area. The abundant white pine forests attracted loggers and settlers. Towns like Gaylord, Vanderbilt, and Waters grew as a result of the lumber trade.

As the lumber industry declined, agriculture became more important, with crops like potatoes being prominent. The county's history includes periods of population fluctuation, influenced by the rise and fall of industry. [GEM]