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In the 1600's French explorers found Ottawa and Pottawatomie tribes.
The meaning of the word Muskegon is "river of marshes".
Early explorers found the potential for fur trading, and the French trappers and traders lived relatively peaceful with the Indians.
There were settlers in the early 1600's but it wasn't until 1834 when it became more than just seasonal visitors.
Fur trading was coming to an end and lumbering was booming.
In 1837 Benjamin H. Wheelock constructed a lumber mill. Abundant with White Pine and the river offered a way to transport logs to the mills.
By 1860 there were 16 sawmills on Muskegon Lake. The Stage line came in 1855 and 3 years later the first post office was established.
In a short period 47 mills surrounded Muskegon Lake, and had three railroads serving the area.
Today, Muskegon is an industrial center with production in chemicals, metal products, engines, paper, sand, and gravel.
Fruits, dairying, livestock, corn, winter wheat, oats, hay and cucumbers are the areas agriculture.
Muskegon County is rich in recreational enjoyment and historic lore.
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