History of Clare County

In 1840, the Michigan State Legislature named the county Kaykakee after a Sauk Indian Chief. In 1843, the county's name was changed to "Clare" by an Irish surveyor after his native "County Clare" in Ireland.

The first pioneer family in the area was that of a Civil War veteran who homesteaded in Grant Township. A community grew there around a sawmill and was named Crawfordville, which was later remaned Dover. The county's first schoolhouse was built here, and was the last county school in operation when it was closed. The Historic Dover School is open for public viewing during normal museum hours.

Established in Michigan's lumbering era, the area was home to the first successful logging railroad, the Lake George & Muskegon RR. This line helped revolutionize the logging industry. Timber, the Muskegon and Tobacco Rivers, abundant land, and a railroad translated to profit and the area has thrived since.

Between 1865 and 1880, the cities of Clare and Harrison and the Village of Farwell were established. Also, with the addition of the railroads, smaller "whistle stops" such as
Lake and Lake George grew. Other communities such as Leota and Temple sprang up as a result of the logging boom.

Initially the County Seat was established in Farwell in 1871. After a suspicious fire in the courthouse, the County Seat was moved to Harrison, where it remains today. Harrison has also hosted the county fair since 1883.

Clare grew from a small village in 1865 to a thriving community by 1879, with a main street lined with businesses ranging from a blacksmith to a jewelry store. Many of the original buildings survive today, with quaint shopping and lodging available.

From its rugged logging past, the county has evolved into a tranquil tourist destination famous for its bountiful natural resources.

For more information about the history of Clare County please contact:

Clare County Historical Society & Museum - 989-386-0729

Farwell Area Historical Museum 989-588-0580