ALGER COUNTY Meaning and
Definition
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Alger County is a geographical and administrative division located in the Upper Peninsula of the state of Michigan in the United States. It is classified as a county and is one of the 83 counties that make up the state. Named after a former U.S. Senator from Michigan named Russell A. Alger, Alger County covers an area of approximately 5,048 square miles (13,084 square kilometers).
Situated in the northern part of the Upper Peninsula, Alger County is bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Marquette County to the west, Schoolcraft County to the east, and Delta County to the south. The county seat and largest city is Munising, which is centrally located within the county.
The geography of Alger County is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes forests, water bodies, and rugged terrain. Its scenic features include picturesque lakes, pristine rivers, waterfalls, and towering cliffs along Lake Superior's shoreline. The county is also home to several state parks, including the well-known Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and tourists.
In terms of population, the county has a relatively small community, with an estimated population of around 9,400 people as of 2020. The main economic activities in Alger County are tourism, forestry, and small-scale agriculture.
Etymology of ALGER COUNTY
The word "Alger County" is derived from the name of Russell A. Alger, an American politician and statesman. Russell Alger served as the 20th Governor of Michigan from 1885 to 1887 and later became the Secretary of War under President William McKinley. The county was named in his honor when it was established in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1885.
