History of Alpena, Michigan, USA

1854 - Alpena county
Alpena, originally called Anamickee, a new county in the N. E. part of Michigan, bordering on Lake Huron and Thunder bay. The area is estimated at 700 square miles. It is drained by Thunder Bay river. The census of 1850 furnishes no returns for this county.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Alpena
Alpena, a city, the capital of Alpena co., Mich, on Thunder Bay, at the mouth of Thunder Bay River, about 125 miles N. by E. from Saginaw City. It has 13 churches, 4 newspaper offices, 2 banks, 2 foundries, a union school, and several saw-, planing-, and shingle-mills. Much lumber is shipped at this port. Pop. in 1890, 11,283.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1902 - EXCURSION IS IN A WRECK. FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE DETROIT & MACKINAW RAILROAD. ONE KILLED AND MANY HURT.
Others May Succumb to Their Injuries - Seven of the Passengers Are in Serious Condition - Tender of the Locomotive Jumps the Track, Engineer Applies the Brakes and the Sudden Stop Derails Three Coaches - Two of Them Plow Through the First One.

By The Associated Press.

Alpena, Mich, June 8 - An excursion train on the Detroit & Mackinaw Railroad which left here at 7:15 o'clock for Saginaw, consisting of an engine and twelve coaches and carrying over 500 people , was wrecked at Black River, while running forty miles an hour. One man was instantly killed, three were probably fatally injured and nearly fifty others received injuries of various degrees of severity, ranging from bruises and cuts to broken limbs.

AUGUST GROSINSKI of Alpena was killed outright. The most seriously injured were:

JOHN M'CARTHY, Alpena, left arm broken and serious internal injuries; will probably die.

ERNST LEGATSKI, Alpena, right leg broken and probably fatal injuries.

JACOB MONDORFF, Alpena,... Read MORE...

1903 - BAD WIND STORM FOLLOWED BY HAIL. SWEPT OVER NORTHERN MICHIGAN LAST NIGHT AND WROUGHT MUCH DESTRUCTION. FARMER INSTANTLY KILLED DURING STORM.
Alpena, Mich., July 29. - A terrific wind and rain storm accompanied by hail, passed over Alpena county, last night, and wrought much destruction.

Orchards were leveled and crops in the fields were destroyed. JAMES FINGLETON'S house, in Wilson township, was struck by lightning and FINGLETON instantly killed while his wife and daughter were badly burned.

WALTER PILLSBURY'S farm house, at Greely, was also struck and burned. His son was badly, but not fatally injured, by the lightning. Much damage is also reported from Presque Isle county.
Lima Times Democrat
Ohio
July 29, 1903

1916
Alpena, a city, the capital of Alpena co., Mich., on Thunder Bay, at the mouth of Thunder Bay River, and on the Detroit and Mackinac R., about 125 miles N. by E. of Saginaw. It has foundries, saw-, planing-, shingle-, woollen- and flouring-mills, Portland-cement works, etc It has extensive fisheries and is a summer-resort. Much lumber is shipped at this port. Pop. in 1900, 11,802.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

There's something for everyone in Alpena. Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in this charming northeastern Michigan city:
1. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Alpena is home to the only freshwater national marine sanctuary in the United States. Explore the fascinating underwater world by visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Discover shipwrecks, view exhibits, and learn about the rich maritime history of the area.

2. Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan: This museum offers a diverse collection of art, science, and history exhibits. It's a great place to explore Alpena's cultural heritage and learn about the region's natural history.

3. Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary: If you're a nature lover, take a stroll through the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a peaceful oasis with walking trails, a variety of bird species, and beautiful scenery. Don't forget your camera!

4. Island Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Another great outdoor spot, Island Park, is located along the Thunder Bay River. It's a fantastic place for picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching. The park also has a playground for... Read MORE...