Kearney Township in Bellaire in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Bellaire – The Antrim County Seat

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

1. Bellaire – The Antrim County Seat Marker

Inscription. The first pioneers of Antrim County settled along Grand Traverse Bay near Elk Rapids in the 1850s. Later settlers moved inland, and urged that the county seat be transferred from the bay shore closer to the geographical center of the county. After a close election in 1879, Keno, later named Bellaire, became the new county seat. Thus began a bitter controversy which was appealed to the state Supreme Court and lasted for twenty-five years. Although the courthouse square was purchased as early as 1879, the county building was not constructed until 1904-05 after another vote. Designed by Jens C. Peterson, and built by Waterman and Price, the courthouse cost $30,000.

Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number 274.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 44° 58.536′ N, 85° 12.491′ W. Marker is in Bellaire, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is in Kearney Township. It is on East Cayuga Street (Michigan Route 88) east of North Bridge Street (Route 88), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 E Cayuga St, Bellaire MI 49615, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Maltby Livery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Jail and Sheriff's Residence (about 400 feet away); World War II Memorial (about 600 feet away); Hardware Corner (about 600 feet away); Bellaire Community Center (about 600 feet away); Aunt Jane Building (about 600 feet away); Pump House No. 1 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Nixon House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellaire.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Antrim County Courthouse. Excerpt:

The Antrim County Courthouse is a rectangular, 2½-story, Late Victorian-eclectic, red-brick structure on a gray sandstone foundation with a hip roof and gray sandstone trim. The galvanized steel cornice has been painted and sanded to match the stone trim. A clock tower, over 100 feet high, projects from the roof; a clock dial of 5 feet in diameter is located at the top.

(Submitted on October 7, 2023.)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

2. Bellaire – The Antrim County Seat Marker

The courthouse is out of frame on the left.

Antrim County Courthouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

3. Antrim County Courthouse and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.