Grand Traverse Area Firsts

Famous Grand Traverse Area Firsts

The First white settlers in Grand Traverse County were Rev. Peter Dougherty and John Fleming, 1839.

The First frame building in the region was constructed at Old Mission, 1842.

The First church constructed in Grand Traverse County was in 1842 at Old Mission.

The First wedding in Grand Traverse County was that of Olive Dame to Ansel Salisbury in 1842.

The First white child corn in the region was Henry Miller in 1846.

The First white settlers in Traverse City were Horace Boardman and Michael Gay in 1847.

The First residence in Traverse City was built in 1847 at the foot of the Boardman Lake.

The First mail service to the region was in June 1849 at Old Mission, W.R. Stone was the postmaster.

The First steamer to enter Grand Traverse Bay was the Michigan on April 14, 1851.

The First mercantile was established by Hannah, Lay and Company.

The First sawmill was erected in 1852 by Hannah, Lay and Company.

The First white death recorded in Grand Traverse County occurred in 1852 and was a logging camp accident.

The First civic organization of record in Grand Traverse County was The Mutual Admiration Society.

The First school house in Grand Traverse County was in the 400 block of East Front St. 1853.

The First school teacher was Miss Helen Goodale

The First Sabbath School in Traverse City was started in 1853.

The First marriage ceremony in Traverse City was that of James Lee and Ann Dakin in 1853.