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.
Bellaire – The Antrim County Seat. . 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.
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. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. 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. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured
The Antrim County Courthouse is a rectangular, 2˝-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.
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 62 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
