Eagle River - Houghton Township 49950

Eagle River - Houghton Township Population: 2000() 1990() Change()

Eagle River is located in southern Keweenaw County�s Houghton Township. It is situated on the western coastline of the Keweenaw Peninsula along lake Superior. Its main feature is the Eagle River Falls, which can be seen from the highway, M-26, along side of the township hall and courthouse. A footbridge is available to see the falls.

This area was first settled in 1843 when copper was discovered. The Keweenaw Copper Co. claimed several leases in the area at that time, and formed the Phoenix Company, which sold lots and formed the village. A post office was opened in October of 1845 with Columbus Douglas as the postmaster. He named the area after the river which was then the habitat of a large number of eagles. It remained part of Houghton County until 1861, when Keweenaw County was organized, at which time it became the county seat.