South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lumber Industry
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
1. Lumber Industry Marker
South Haven's location on Lake Michigan and the Black River made it a center for the lumber trade. By the 1850s, logs cut in nearby forests were floated down the river to the sawmills built along the banks. Lumber production peaked in 1874, when over 10 million feet of lumber was cut in South Haven's sawmills. Schooners and other sailing and steam-powered vessels carried the lumber to markets in Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities.
South Haven's lumber boom was short-lived. It declined during the last quarter of the nineteenth century as the forests of Lower Michigan became depleted. In addition, by the 1800s, the railroad reduced transportation As the economic importance of the lumber trade in South Haven declined, commercial shipping and tourism expanded.
Erected by Rotary Club of South Haven, City of South Haven, & Michigan Maritime Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 42° 24.126′ N, 86° 16.837′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker is on Water Street west of Maple Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lightkeeper's Dwelling (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Channel Piers (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Resort Industry (about 600 feet away); Over a Century of Tourism (about 600 feet away); Birth of City Utilities (about 600 feet away); Lifesaving Station (about 700 feet away); Entertainment Around the Harbor (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Haven Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.
More about this marker. Marker is located on the South Haven Harbor Walk.
2. Marker detail: George Hannahs: South Haven Lumber Baron
George Hannahs (1823-1906) built his first sawmill and lumberyard on the Black River in 1864. As his business prospered, he hired local shipbuilders to construct several schooners to transport lumber to cities such as Chicago. Hannahs was active in local and state government and served in the Michigan State Senate from 1870-1872.
3. Marker detail: A Lumber Baron's Home
George Hannahs lived on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Maple Street, where the American Legion Post is now located.
4. Marker detail: Transporting Lumber
The schooner Day Spring bringing lumber from Northern Michigan
5. Marker detail: Early Lumbering Days
Schooners such as the Golden Harvest transported lumber from South Haven.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
6. Lumber Industry Marker
View looking toward the southeast. The American Legion post is at the top of the hill.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 22, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
