Statue of Jacques Marquette in MarquetteMarquette Harbor Light Station
The land around Marquette was known to French missionaries of the early 17th century and the trappers of the early 19th century.[11] The area was originally and predominantly inhabited by theNoquet,Ojibwe,Odawa andPotawatomi, the latter three peoples comprising theAnishinaabeCouncil of Three Fires. They knew the area asGichi-namebini-ziibing ("Theriver of giantwhite suckers", referring to theDead River).[12] Development of the area did not begin until 1844, whenWilliam Burt andJacob Houghton (the brother of geologistDouglass Houghton) discovered iron deposits near Teal Lake west of Marquette. In 1845, Jackson Mining Company, the first organized mining company in the region, was formed.[11]
The village of Marquette began on September 14, 1849, with the formation of a second iron concern, the Marquette Iron Company. Three men participated in organizing the firm: Robert J. Graveraet, who had prospected the region for ore; Edward Clark, agent for Waterman A. Fisher ofWorcester, Massachusetts, who financed the company, and Amos Rogers Harlow. The village was at first calledNew Worcester, with Harlow as the first postmaster. On August 21, 1850, the name was changed to honorJacques Marquette, the French Jesuit missionary who had explored the region. A second post office, named Carp River, was opened on October 13, 1851, byPeter White, who had gone there with Graveraet at age 18.[13] Harlow closed his post office in August 1852. The Marquette Iron Company failed, while its successor, theCleveland Iron Mining Company, flourished and had the villageplatted in 1854. The plat was recorded by Peter White. White's office was renamed as Marquette in April 1856, and the village was incorporated in 1859. It was incorporated as a city in 1871.[14]
During the 1850s, Marquette was linked by rail to numerous mines and became the leading shipping center of the Upper Peninsula. The firstore pocket dock, designed by an early town leader, John Burt, was built by the Cleveland Iron Mining Company in 1859.[15] By 1862, the city had a population of over 1,600 and a soaring economy.[11]
In the late 19th century, during the height of iron mining, Marquette became nationally known as a summer haven. Visitors brought in by Great Lakes passengersteamships filled the city's hotels and resorts.[15]
Marquette continues to be a shipping port forhematite ores and, today, enriched iron ore pellets, from nearby mines and pelletizing plants. About 7.9 million gross tons of pelletized iron ore passed through Marquette's Presque Isle Harbor in 2005.[15]
In addition to the Marquette #1 Post Office, there is the "Northern Michigan University Bookstore Contract Station #384".[17]
Thefirst day of issue of apostal card showing Bishop Frederic Baraga took place in Marquette on June 29, 1984,[18] and that of the Wonders of America Lake Superior stamp[19] on May 27, 2006.[20]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.45 square miles (50.38 km2), of which 11.39 square miles (29.50 km2) is land and 8.06 square miles (20.88 km2) is water.[21]
The city includes several small islands (principally Middle Island, Gull Island, Lover's Island, Presque Isle Pt. Rocks, White Rocks, Ripley Rock, and Picnic Rocks) in Lake Superior. TheMarquette Underwater Preserve lies immediately offshore.
The climate is ahemiboreal humid continental (Köppen:Dfb) with four distinct seasons that are strongly moderated byLake Superior and is located inPlant Hardiness zone 5b.[23][24] Narrative below is based on chart below, reflecting 1991-2020 climate normals. Winters are long and cold with a January average of 18.5 °F (−7.5 °C). Winter temperatures are slightly warmer than inland locations at a similar latitude due to the release of the heat stored by the lake, which moderates the climate.[25] On average, there are 11.6 days annually where the minimum temperature reaches 0 °F (−18 °C) and 73 days with a maximum at or below freezing, including a majority of days during meteorological winter (December through February).[26]
Being located in thesnowbelt region, Marquette receives a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months, mostly fromlake-effect snow. BecauseLake Superior rarely freezes over completely, this enables lake effect snow to persist throughout winter, making Marquette the third snowiest location in the contiguous United States as reported by theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with an average annual snowfall of 149.1 inches or 3.79 meters.[27] The snow depth in winter usually exceeds 10 inches or 0.25 meters.[26] Marquette is the city with the deepest snow depths with a population of more than 20,000 in the United States (and one of the largest in North America outside the western Cordillera or eastern Canada), as temperatures remain low throughout the winter and cold, dry air is intercepted by theGreat Lakes.[28]
The warmest months, July and August, each average 66.2 °F (19.0 °C), showing somewhat of aseasonal lag, with August averaging slightly warmer than July. The surrounding lake cools summertime temperatures[25] and as a result, temperatures above 90 °F (32.2 °C) are rare, with only 3.4 days per year.[26] Spring and fall are transitional seasons that are generally mild though highly variable due to the alternation of air masses moving quickly. Spring is usually cooler than fall because the surrounding lake is slower to warm than the land, while in fall the lake releases heat, warming the area.[25]
Marquette receives 30.2 inches (770 mm) of precipitation annually, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though September and October are the wettest months with February and March being the driest. The average window for morning freezes is October 15 through May 7. The highest temperature ever recorded in Marquette was 108 °F (42 °C) on July 15, 1901, and the lowest was −33 °F (−36 °C) on February 8, 1861.[26] Marquette receives an average of 2,294 hours of sunshine per year or 51 percent of possible sunshine, ranging from a low of 29 percent in December to a high of 68 percent in July.[29]
The City of Marquette has received national attention for its measures toadapt to climate change, such as coastline restoration and moving portions of Lakeshore Boulevard which are flooded byLake Superior 100 yards (91 m) inland. Property owners are required to maintain “riparian buffers” of native plants along waterways. A county task force has created a guidebook in cooperation with the University of Michigan for landscaping which can reduce the habitat for disease-bearing ticks. A federally fundedstormwater drain project will routerunoff which flows into Lake Superior intorestored wetlands.[30] At the time of a 2014 NOAA climate study, climate change was expected to lead to rising temperatures, a longer growing season, and greater precipitation in Marquette.[31]
Climate data for Marquette, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1857–present)
As of the 2020 census, there were 20,629 people, 8,163 households, and 3,651 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,819.6 inhabitants per square mile (702.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.5%White, 3.6%African American, 0.4%Native American, 0.4%Asian, 0.7% fromother races, and 4.7% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 2.5% of the population.
There were 8,163 households, of which 16% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 55.3% were non-families. 36.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.7.
The median age of the city was 40.2 years. 11.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 30.2% were between 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 19.9% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
As of the census[34] of 2010, there were 21,355 people, 8,321 households, and 3,788 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,874.9 inhabitants per square mile (723.9/km2). There were 8,756 housing units at an average density of 768.7 per square mile (296.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.1% White, 4.4% African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.
There were 8,321 households, of which 18.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.3% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.5% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.71.
The median age in the city was 29.1 years. 12.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 30.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 21.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.
At the 2000 census,[7] there were 19,661 people, 8,071 households and 4,067 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,723.9 inhabitants per square mile (665.6/km2). There were 8,429 housing units at an average density of 739.1 per square mile (285.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95% White, 0.8% African American, 1.7% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0%Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.77% of the population. 15.5% were of German, 12.6%Finnish, 8.9% French, 8.5% English, 8.2% Irish, 6.8% Italian and 6.7%Swedish ancestry according toCensus 2000.
There were 8,071 households, of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.6% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.81.
Age distribution was 16.8% under the age of 18, 25.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median household income was $29,918, and the median family income was $48,120. Males had a median income of $34,107 versus $24,549 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,787. About 7.2% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.
Lake Superior shoreline at Presque Isle Park in July
Presque Isle Park is located on the north side of the city. The largely untouched, forested landscape of the park was the result of a 1891 visit from landscape architectFrederick Law Olmsted, who refused to develop a plan for it due to his belief that it "should not be marred by the intrusion of artificial objects."[39] Amenities include a wooden band shell for concerts, a park pavilion, a gazebo, a marina, a concession stand, picnic tables, barbecue pits, walking/skiing trails, playground facilities, and Moosewood Nature Center. The city has two beaches, South Beach Park and McCarty's Cove. McCarty's Cove is flanked by a red U.S. Coast Guard Station lighthouse on its south shore. Both beaches have picnic areas, grills, children's playgrounds and lifeguard stands. Other parks include Tourist Park, Founder's Landing, LaBonte Park, Mattson Lower Harbor Park, Park Cemetery, Shiras Park, Williams Park, Harlow Park, Pocket Park, Spring Street Park and Father Marquette Park.
There are also numerous other recreational facilities located within the city.Lakeview Arena is best known for its use as an ice hockey facility, but it also hosts a number of public events. A skateboard park is located just outside the arena and open during the summer. Lakeview Arena was home to theMarquette Electricians and Marquette Senior High School's Redmen hockey team. In 1974, the arena replaced the historicPalestra, which had been located a few blocks away. Gerard Haley Memorial Baseball field home of the Marquette Blues and Reds is located in the north side along with numerous little league and softball fields. Marquette is home tothe largest wooden dome in the world, theSuperior Dome—unofficially but affectionately known as the YooperDome. During the football season, the Dome is used primarily for football on its newly renovatedAstroTurf field. The turf was installed in July 2009. Northern Michigan University holds its home football games in the Dome, as does the Michigan High School Athletic Association with the Upper Peninsula's high school football playoffs. The dome also hosts numerous private and public events that draw in thousands from around the region. The Marquette Golf Club has brought international recognition to the area for its unique and dramatic Greywalls course, opened in 2005. The course features several panoramic views of Lake Superior and winds its way through rocky outcroppings, heaving fairways and a rolling valley, yet is located less than two miles (3.2 km) from the downtown area.
The city is also known for fishing for deep water lake trout, whitefish, salmon and brown trout.[40]
Marquette has an extensive network of biking and walking paths. The city has been gradually expanding the paths and has been promoting itself as a walkable and livable community. Cross Country ski trails are also located at Presque Isle Park and the Fit Strip.[41]
Camping facilities are located at Tourist Park.
The combination of hilly terrain (a 600-foot (180 m) vertical difference from top to bottom) and large area snow falls enablessnowboarding anddownhill skiing on the edge of town.[42]
Panorama of Lower Harbor and downtown Marquette, from Lower Harbor Park. The Lower Harbor Ore Dock is no longer in operation.
Live theatrical productions are also provided through Northern Michigan University's Forest Roberts Theatre and Black Box Theatre, Marquette's Graveraet School Kaufman Auditorium and Lake Superior Theatre, a semi-professional summer stock theatre.
The Presque Isle Harbor Ore Dock, anore pocket dock, was built in 1912. Trains drop ore into the dock. Then chutes on the side of the dock lower to spill the ore into ships. Shown docked in the photo are theMVLee A. Tregurtha (near) and theMVKaye E. Barker (far).
The city is served by a public transit system known asMarqTran, which runs buses through the city and to nearby places such as Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport andIshpeming. The system operates out of a transit center in the adjacentMarquette Township in addition to a small transfer station in downtown. In addition,Indian Trails bus lines operates daily intercity bus service betweenHancock andMilwaukee, Wisconsin.[59] The line operates a stop at MarqTran's transit center.
Marquette has limited freight rail service by theLake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad (LS&I). TheCanadian National Railway also goes through nearby Negaunee. The LS&I serves the Upper Harbor Ore Dock, which loads iron ore pellets from nearby mining operations onto lake freighters for shipment throughout the Great Lakes.[60]
Three ofMDOT's state highways serve Marquette as did a former business route for US 41 and a former state highway.
The City of Marquette is served by theMarquette Area Public Schools. The district is the largest school district in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin, with about 3,100 students and 420 faculty and Staff.
The Marquette County Courthouse was used for the courtroom scenes in the filmAnatomy of a Murder
John D. Voelker (who wrote as Robert Traver) set his novelsAnatomy of a Murder (1958) andLaughing Whitefish (1965) in Marquette. The film version ofAnatomy of a Murder, dramatizing a 1952 murder that happened in the area and the subsequent trial, was partly filmed in Marquette andBig Bay. Much of it was filmed in theMarquette County Courthouse in Marquette, where the actual murder case had been tried. Traver'sDanny and the Boys (1951) is a collection of short stories set in and around Marquette.
Philip Caputo set his novelIndian Country (1987) in the Upper Peninsula and several scenes depict Marquette.
Jim Harrison's novelTrue North (2005) tells about a Marquette family whose wealth is based on exploiting Upper Peninsula timber.
^Walton, Nicole (November 14, 2023)."Sally Davis new Marquette mayor".Public Radio 90. Marquette, Michigan: WNMU-FM.Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. RetrievedDecember 1, 2023.
^abcEckert, Kathryn Bishop (2000).The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. pp. 89–91.ISBN0-8143-2807-5.
^abcde"NOWData: NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Archived from the original on March 5, 2020. RetrievedMay 5, 2021. Scroll down and select "Marquette, MI", not "Marquette Area".
^"Fishing".Travel Marquette. Marquette Country Convention and Visitors Bureau. Archived fromthe original on October 21, 2017. RetrievedOctober 11, 2017.
^Hunt, Mary; Hunt, Don (2007)."Peter White Library".Hunts' Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Albion, MI: Midwestern Guides.Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. RetrievedFebruary 3, 2013.
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