The Northwest Territory opened Michigans wilderness and what later became Lapeer County and its first settlement, Almont. Through a dense forest, thick with undergrowth and quagmire, these determined settlers fought the primitive frontier and their own fears. Today, the sounds of church bells ring out across the hills, whispering of the soldiers, pioneers, and Native Americans of yore, of their heartache, hardships, and joy. Like an old-fashioned quilt, their threads of courage, fortitude, and unwavering Christian beliefs wove a colorful picture through the years. Settlers and Native...

Legends about the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Nepessing Indians have left an indubitable mark upon the Lapeer area. Streets, rivers, and towns sing out the melody of their ageless legacy, just as those first settlers of Lapeer left their footprints upon the towns and cities for generations to follow. Like a comfortable rocker, the lyrics of hospitality linger, whispering of a way of life not easily left within the pages of a history book. Frugal, yet compassionate, these early pioneers shared their meager provisions and scant shelters with the tribes and wayward travelers alike. Lumberjacks sawed...