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History of Cheboygan, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Cheboygan, Michigan, USA
Explore Cheboygan, Michigan, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Cheboygan Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Cheboygan, Cheboygan, MI
Cheboygan was originally an Ojibwe settlement. In 1844, Jacob Sammons, a cooper from Fort Mackinac, chose the old native camping ground (then called "Shabwegan") as the site for his cabin. He recruited other settlers, and a post office named "Duncan" was established in 1846. It was made the county seat in 1853...
The area became known as Cheboygan in 1870. It was incorporated as a village in 1871.
Cheboygan was incorporated as a city in 1889.
Explore even more about Cheboygan, Michigan, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Cheboygan: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Cheboygan
Cheboygan, an unorganized county of Michigan, forms the northern extremity of the lower Peninsula, bordering on the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron. The area is estimated at 500 square miles. The census of 1 850 furnishes no information respecting this county, which has but few white inhabitants.
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.
Cheboygan, an unorganized county of Michigan, forms the northern extremity of the lower Peninsula, bordering on the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron. The area is estimated at 500 square miles. The census of 1 850 furnishes no information respecting this county, which has but few white inhabitants.
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 - Cheboygan
Cheboygan, a post-village, capital of Cheboygan co., Mich, on Lake Huron, at the mouth of the Cheboygan River, 35 miles N.E. of Petoskey. It has a bank, 3 churches, a graded school, a grist-mill, 9 saw-, 5 shingle-, and 3 planing-mills, 3 machine-shops, a foundry, and 3 newspaper offices. Pop, in 1880, 2269; in 1890, 6235.
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
Cheboygan, a post-village, capital of Cheboygan co., Mich, on Lake Huron, at the mouth of the Cheboygan River, 35 miles N.E. of Petoskey. It has a bank, 3 churches, a graded school, a grist-mill, 9 saw-, 5 shingle-, and 3 planing-mills, 3 machine-shops, a foundry, and 3 newspaper offices. Pop, in 1880, 2269; in 1890, 6235.
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
1908 - Accidental Drowning
Fred RANVILLE, the seventeen year old son of Joseph RANVILLE, proprietor of the Commercial hotel, was drowned at the foot of Division street Friday evening. The accident happened right back of his father's hotel, where the boys were in the habit of going in bathing in the river. Young RANVILLE could not swim a stroke, yet dived into the river and never came to the top after going down. Max SCHOENITH, JR., who was also swimming there at the time, saw the boy go down and immediately dived after him and found him on the bottom, but could not raise the body.
Pike poles and grappling irons were sent for and the body of the young man was brought to the surface after nearly twenty minutes time. DRS. STEFFINS and ST. AMOUR worked over him and although there appeared to be life in the body when it was taken from the water, he could not be resuscitated. The drowning happened shortly after seven o'clock and a large crowd watched the work of recovering the body.
The funeral was held from... Read MORE...
Fred RANVILLE, the seventeen year old son of Joseph RANVILLE, proprietor of the Commercial hotel, was drowned at the foot of Division street Friday evening. The accident happened right back of his father's hotel, where the boys were in the habit of going in bathing in the river. Young RANVILLE could not swim a stroke, yet dived into the river and never came to the top after going down. Max SCHOENITH, JR., who was also swimming there at the time, saw the boy go down and immediately dived after him and found him on the bottom, but could not raise the body.
Pike poles and grappling irons were sent for and the body of the young man was brought to the surface after nearly twenty minutes time. DRS. STEFFINS and ST. AMOUR worked over him and although there appeared to be life in the body when it was taken from the water, he could not be resuscitated. The drowning happened shortly after seven o'clock and a large crowd watched the work of recovering the body.
The funeral was held from... Read MORE...
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Cheboygan:
Cheboygan State Park: Start your visit with a trip to Cheboygan State Park. This beautiful park offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, a sandy beach, and camping facilities. It's a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Boating and Fishing: Cheboygan is located on the shores of Lake Huron and the Cheboygan River, making it a prime destination for boating and fishing. You can rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy a day on the water. The fishing is excellent, with opportunities to catch a variety of species, including salmon and trout.
Cheboygan Crib Light: Visit the historic Cheboygan Crib Light, also known as the Cheboygan Front Range Light. This iconic lighthouse, built in 1884, is an excellent spot for photos and offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.
Cheboygan River Walk: Stroll along the Cheboygan River Walk, a scenic pathway that runs alongside the river. It's a peaceful way to enjoy the views and observe... Read MORE...
Cheboygan State Park: Start your visit with a trip to Cheboygan State Park. This beautiful park offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, a sandy beach, and camping facilities. It's a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Boating and Fishing: Cheboygan is located on the shores of Lake Huron and the Cheboygan River, making it a prime destination for boating and fishing. You can rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy a day on the water. The fishing is excellent, with opportunities to catch a variety of species, including salmon and trout.
Cheboygan Crib Light: Visit the historic Cheboygan Crib Light, also known as the Cheboygan Front Range Light. This iconic lighthouse, built in 1884, is an excellent spot for photos and offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.
Cheboygan River Walk: Stroll along the Cheboygan River Walk, a scenic pathway that runs alongside the river. It's a peaceful way to enjoy the views and observe... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Cheboygan Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cheboygan, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about 30 ancestors who were born or died in Cheboygan.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Cheboygan, Michigan, USA
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