Happy Birthday, Michigan: The Tale of Cabinet Counties and the Upper Peninsula’s Unexpected Treasure

In the historical landscape of Michigan, a tale of political intrigue and unexpected fortune unfolds, rooted in the state’s early quest for statehood.

This story, woven through the fabric of Michigan’s history, features the strategic naming of 10 southern counties and the surprising rise of the Upper Peninsula from an underestimated wilderness to a treasured jewel.

Michigan’s Cabinet Counties

In the late 1820s and early 1830s, as Michigan vied for statehood, a clever political strategy was set in motion. Ten counties in southern Michigan were christened with names that would resonate in the halls of power in Washington D.C.

These were no ordinary names; they were carefully chosen to curry favor with influential figures in President Andrew Jackson’s administration. From Jackson County, named after the President himself, to Calhoun County, honoring his Vice President John C. Calhoun, each name was a nod to a member of Jackson’s cabinet.

Barry County

• Named after: William T. Barry, U.S. Postmaster General.
• Best known towns: Hastings, Middleville, Delton.
• Attractions: Yankee Springs Recreation Area, Historic Charlton Park, Thornapple Lake.

Berrien County

• Named after: John M. Berrien, U.S. Attorney General.
• Best known towns: St. Joseph, Niles, Benton Harbor.
• Attractions: Silver Beach County Park, Warren Dunes State Park, Curious Kids’ Museum.

Branch County

• Named after: John Branch, U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
• Best known towns: Coldwater, Bronson, Quincy.
• Attractions: Coldwater Lake, Tibbits Opera House, Heritage Park.

Calhoun County

• Named after: John C. Calhoun, U.S. Vice President.
• Best known towns: Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion.
• Attractions: Binder Park Zoo, FireKeepers Casino, Historic Bridge Park.

Cass County

• Named after: Lewis Cass, Jackson’s second Secretary of War.
• Best known towns: Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg.
• Attractions: Diamond Lake, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, Cass County Fairgrounds.

Eaton County

• Named after: John Eaton, Secretary of War.
• Best known towns: Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge.
• Attractions: Fitzgerald Park, Potter Park Zoo, Maple Valley Complex.

Ingham County

• Named after: Samuel D. Ingham, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
• Best known towns: Lansing (state capital), East Lansing, Mason.
• Attractions: Michigan State Capitol, Potter Park Zoo, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.

Jackson County

• Named after: Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States.
• Best known towns: Jackson, Michigan Center, Grass Lake.
• Attractions: Cascade Falls, Ella Sharp Museum, Michigan International Speedway.

Livingston County

• Named after: Edward Livingston, Jackson’s second Secretary of State.
• Best known towns: Howell, Brighton, Pinckney.
• Attractions: Howell Nature Center, Brighton Recreation Area, Downtown Howell.

Van Buren County

• Named after: Martin Van Buren, U.S. Secretary of State, later Vice President and President.
• Best known towns: South Haven, Paw Paw, Mattawan.
• Attractions: South Haven Lighthouse, Van Buren State Park, Kal-Haven Trail.

The Toledo War

This shrewd move was part of Michigan’s larger effort to gain federal support and resolve the Toledo War with Ohio. Initially, this naming strategy seemed to have little impact, however.

In June 1836, President Jackson tried to conclude the Toledo War by proposing a deal where Michigan would become a state if it gave up the Toledo Strip to Ohio. In exchange, Michigan would receive most of the Upper Peninsula, which at that time was considered largely worthless. Michigan initially rejected this offer.

However, by the end of 1836, Michigan faced financial difficulties, largely due to the costs incurred from its conflict with Ohio. Consequently, Michigan reluctantly agreed to the terms, and the Toledo War came to an end. On Jan. 26, 1837, in one of his final acts as President, Andrew Jackson signed the bill that admitted Michigan as the 26th state of the union.

A Consolation Prize?

Initially, the Upper Peninsula was perceived as an undesirable and remote wilderness, lacking in value. This perception was so strong that when Michigan was offered the U.P. in exchange for relinquishing its claim to the Toledo Strip, the proposal was initially met with reluctance. However, this seemingly unfavorable trade turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

In January 1837, Michigan’s landscape of political ambition expanded as it became the 26th state, with the Upper Peninsula as its unexpected prize. The U.P., once viewed as a consolation, emerged as a land of untold riches. Beneath its rugged terrain lay vast deposits of copper and iron ore, fueling Michigan’s growth and industrial might.

But the true magic of the Upper Peninsula lies in its breathtaking natural beauty. A haven for adventurers and nature lovers, the U.P. boasts pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and stunning shorelines. From the majestic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to the roaring Tahquamenon Falls and the serene Porcupine Mountains, the U.P. is a testament to nature’s artistry.

Happy Birthday, Michigan!

Even though Michigan didn’t want it at the time, what better birthday present could Andrew Jackson have given it than the Upper Peninsula?!?

The tale of Michigan’s cabinet counties and the Upper Peninsula is a captivating chapter in the state’s history. It’s a story of strategic ingenuity, unexpected turns, and the discovery of a natural paradise.

These elements combine to paint a picture of Michigan not just as a place on a map, but as a land of hidden gems and enduring intrigue, where history and natural wonder intertwine to create a state unlike any other.

Did You Know?

• In the late 1820s and early 1830s, Michigan named 10 of its southern counties after members of President Andrew Jackson’s cabinet as a strategic move to gain support for statehood and end the Toledo War with Ohio.
• Jackson County in Michigan is named after President Andrew Jackson himself, and Calhoun County is named after his Vice President, John C. Calhoun, as part of a unique naming strategy.
• The Toledo War, a conflict between Michigan and Ohio over a strip of land, played a pivotal role in Michigan’s journey to becoming the 26th state of the Union.
• Michigan was initially reluctant to accept the Upper Peninsula as part of a deal to end the Toledo War, considering it a worthless wilderness, only to later discover its immense value.
• The Upper Peninsula, once underestimated, is now celebrated for its rich natural resources and has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting attractions like Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls.