GOGEBIC COUNTY, MI HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

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Gogebic County, Michigan: A Genealogical Overview

Located at the far western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Gogebic County is a land of rugged beauty, defined by the vast forests of the Ottawa National Forest, the shores of Lake Superior, and the mineral-rich hills of the Gogebic Iron Range. Its history is a classic American story of resource discovery, a subsequent mining boom, and the wave of diverse immigration that built its communities. For genealogists, the county’s relatively late formation and its rich ethnic heritage are key aspects of the research journey.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Understanding Gogebic County’s creation from two parent counties is critical for locating records of its earliest non-native settlers.

  • 1887: County Formed: Gogebic County was officially organized by an act of the Michigan Legislature on February 7, 1887.
  • Parent Counties: It was created from the southern portion of Ontonagon County and the western portion of the newly-formed Iron County. Records for any ancestors in this area prior to 1887 will be located in the records of Ontonagon County.
  • Subsequent County Formations: The boundaries of Gogebic County have remained largely unchanged since its formation in 1887.
  • Name Origin: The name “Gogebic” is derived from an Ojibwe (Chippewa) word, often associated with Lake Gogebic. Interpretations of the name vary, with common meanings including “a body of water hanging on high” or “place of diving,” and is thought to be a corruption of the word Agogebic.
  • County Seat History: The city of Bessemer was established as the county seat upon the county’s formation in 1887 and has remained the seat of county government ever since.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The region has been the homeland of the Anishinaabe peoples for centuries, specifically the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa (Ojibwe). Their presence, trade routes, and knowledge of the land long predate any European settlement.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: While some trappers and surveyors passed through the area, significant settlement did not begin until the discovery of vast iron ore deposits in the early 1880s. This sparked a massive mining boom that defined the county’s development. Towns like Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield sprang up almost overnight to serve the mines. The economy was overwhelmingly dominated by iron mining and the timber industry, which supplied the lumber for mine shafts and town construction. This boom attracted thousands of immigrants seeking work, creating a diverse ethnic tapestry of Finns, Swedes, Italians, Cornish, Poles, Slovenians, and other European groups.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Gogebic County.

  • Courthouse: Gogebic County Courthouse, located at 200 N. Moore St., Bessemer, MI 49911. This central building houses the key county offices for genealogical research:
    • The County Clerk holds vital records (birth, death, marriage), court records, and election records.
    • The Register of Deeds holds all land records, including deeds and mortgages.
    • The Probate Court holds records of wills, estates, and guardianships.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Michigan began in 1867. Records from Gogebic County’s formation in 1887 to the present are held by the County Clerk. For ancestors living in the area between 1867 and 1887, records must be sought in the parent county, Ontonagon. Copies of records can also be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1887 to the present are held by the Gogebic County Clerk. For earlier marriages, researchers must check Ontonagon County records.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Gogebic County Historical Society Museum: Located in Ironwood, this is a crucial first stop for local history, family files, photographs, and mining-era records.
    • Ironwood Carnegie Library: This library has a significant local history collection, including newspapers on microfilm and local historical publications.
    • Archives of Michigan: Located in Lansing, this is the main state-level repository for government records, including maps, military records, and other collections pertinent to the county.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Ontonagon County, MI
    • Iron County, MI
    • Vilas County, WI
    • Iron County, WI

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks