About
Bessemer Township
BESSEMER TOWNSHIP HISTORY
Bessemer Township is home to
approximately 1270 people according to the 2000 census.
It was organized in the late 1800s under the
Northwest Ordinance of 1787. It is only 1 of a total of 1242
townships within the state of Michigan.
The approximate
126 square miles of Bessemer Township completely surrounds the
city of Bessemer. Directly East of Bessemer are the
communities of Anvil and Ramsay. Anvil is situated on a hill
overlooking Ramsay, which lies in the valley of the Black
River. West of the city of Bessemer are the communities of
Ironton, Puritan, Davis and Geneva. All are named after the
mines around which these communities originally grew during the
mining years. South and North of Bessemer are what used to be
farming communities of Harding and North Bessemer. Although
some of this land is still used for farming it is small compared
to past years. These lands encircle the other locations that
make up Bessemer Township and form a protective wall giving the
township a sense of security for its inhabitants.
ABOUT
BESSEMER TOWNSHIP
On all sides of
the township hills and bluffs can be viewed. Beautiful in any
season, they are a site to behold. Also, major to this area are
the ski hills that serve many area residents and tourists that
grace their slopes from many miles away. Powderhorn, Black
Jack, and Indianhead are the ski hills of the area. The
Western UP’s Convention &
Visitor’s Bureau is a great resource when visiting the
area.
Another main institution of the township is the location of
Grand View Hospital.
Originally built in 1924 to serve Tubercular patients, this
facility has grown to become one of the areas major providers of
health care.
Some of
nature’s awesome lakes that are located within the township are
Chaney Lake, Lynx Lake, Marell Lake just to name a few. Many of
which are located on
Gogebic County
Forest land or the
Keweenaw Land Association.
The seat of the
township’s municipal government is located in the township hall
in Ramsay, which is where the supervisor, treasurer, and clerk
have offices. Along with official offices, the township hall is
also home to the Volunteer Fire
Department, the
Department of Public Works, and the offices of the
Gogebic Range Water Authority and Powderhorn Area Utility
District. The Gogebic
County Court House is located only two miles from the
township in Bessemer.
One of the
areas most known events is its Fourth of July celebration. For
a small community, Bessemer Township put on a BIG bang for the
fourth. From a parade that runs down Mill Street and
fireworks in the park, to street dancing, food, fun and frolic,
many people from the surrounding communities come to enjoy all
that is offered. One local tavern and a restaurant/pub located
in downtown Ramsay also become part of the celebration and have
a share in the history of the township. There are several
churches throughout the Township, as well as the local post office
located on Mill Street. The township itself is home to many
other businesses and services.
Directly behind
the Township Hall is the Ramsay Memorial Park. Talking with
some of the “old timers” of the area will provide you with
wondrous stories of childhood that include swimming in the park
when the dam was in place. After the floods of 2000, many of
the old buildings that were once used in conjunction with the
swimming hole were removed. In its place was built a new
pavilion fully equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities
that can be used for any type of outdoor event.
Rental forms are available through
this website. The park has also been updated with playground
equipment and is one of the best places to view the historic
Keystone Bridge.
All in all,
Bessemer Township is the kind of place that provides beauty,
serenity, community, and is a great place for raising a family
and making life-long friends. Welcome to our area!
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