Osceola County, Michigan

Osceola County was named after Seminole Indian warrior, Chief Osceola, who fought the U.S. in the Second Seminole War in 1837. After defeating U.S. troops in several battles, he finally agreed to Gen. Thomas Jesup�s request to meet under a flag of truce to discuss peace. But Jesup captured him there and imprisoned him at Fort Moultrie, SC, where he soon died. Due to Jesup�s deception, Osceola�s name grew highly respected. Many towns and counties in the U.S. were named after Osceola as a protest.

Regarding local history, The first white settler to the area was Nathan Hersey, a fur trapper, who arrived in 1840, where later the town and river were given his name. Delos A. Blodgett, a lumber baron, also settled in Hersey, contributing much to the area's growth. Another well-known figure of the area was Rev. George Bennard, author of the famous hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross."

Osceola county contains the highest point in the lower peninsula and is also known for trout fishing, with 5 rivers running through it: the Muskegon, Hersey, Pine, Middle Branch and Chippewa. Osceola County is fast on the grow, with tourism, auto and electronics manufacturing, oil and dairy production, and with the recently discovered potash vein - purported to be the richest in the world. Yet, Osceola County still retains its tradition, celebrating at Evart the Dulcimer Festival in July, County Fair in August, and Draft Horse Show on Labor Day Weekend. And the Sheriff�s Posse is still active too, marching in parades but ready to go where autos can�t.

C�mon up 'n visit 'n see Osceola County for yourself - and experience a big chunk of Michigan�s great "Up North!"

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