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Monroe County, Michigan

113 topographic sheets cover 53 settlements here, and 15 properties are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Research this county

From the record

15 National Register listings published here.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Michigan within the United States
Monroe County within Michigan

What the record shows

  • 914 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 15 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 9 buildings, 5 districts and 1 object.
  • 4 of the 15 listings were added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 53 populated places in this county; 53 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Places on the National Register

15

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
George Armstrong Custer Equestrian Monumentobject199494001430
Detroit River Light Stationbuilding198383000886
Dundee Historic Districtdistrict199090001239
East Elm-North Macomb Street Historic Districtdistrict198282002853
Hall of the Divine Childbuilding2017100000885
Edward Loranger Housebuilding198484001807
Gov. Robert McClelland Housebuilding197171000415
Navarre-Anderson Trading Postbuilding197272000645
Rudolph Nims Housebuilding197272000644
Old Village Historic Districtdistrict198282002854
Sawyer Housebuilding197777000721
St. Mary's Academy Historic Districtdistrict201982005047
St. Mary's Church Complex Historic Districtdistrict198282002855
Weis Manufacturing Companybuilding198181000313
Wing-Allore Housebuilding201414001008

Wildfire, 2005 to 2020

179 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 179 of them, burning about 750 acres. 19 started naturally and 1 was recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Equipment and vehicle use88
Missing data/not specified/undetermined62
Natural19
Debris and open burning4
Recreation and ceremony4
Arson/incendiarism1
Smoking1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. One of them was set deliberately.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
27 April 2019Debris and open burning300 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesBERLIN CHARTER TWP FD STATION 1 NEWPORT 2019258 -
23 March 2019Equipment and vehicle use80 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesLONDON-MAYBEE-RAISINVILLE FD 0000077 - 2019
12 November 2005Debris and open burning77 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named
7 November 2010Arson/incendiarism69 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesMONROE 02
24 March 2018Equipment and vehicle use10 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesWHITEFORD TOWNSHIP VFD 0000083 - 2018
27 March 2019Equipment and vehicle use10 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesBEDFORD FD 0000672 - 2019
1 May 2018Equipment and vehicle use10 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesMILAN AREA FD 1800343 - 2018
17 May 2013Missing data/not specified/undetermined8.5 acresDetroit River International Wildlife RefugePLUM CREEK

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1953 to 2026

60 of 489 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 489 reports for this county, causing 17 deaths, 93 injuries and about $78,816,000 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Thunderstorm Wind313
Hail112
Tornado41
Lightning11
Flash Flood5
Flood5
Waterspout2

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
April 1965Tornado (F4)not stated6 killed, 5 hurt, $2,500,000no account filed
April 1965Tornado (F4)not stated5 killed, 5 hurtno account filed
June 1953Tornado (F4)not stated4 killed, 18 hurt, $250,000no account filed
April 1965Tornado (F4)not stated2 killed, 29 hurt, $2,500,000no account filed
June 2010Tornado (EF2)Rea11 hurt, $50,000,000A tornado touched down at 211 am at County Line Road and Rankin Road in Monroe county. This tornado then tracked east southeast, moving through Dundee at 217 AM. Maximum sustained winds of 130 to 135 mph where estimated just west of Dundee, which is classified at a high end EF2. The width of the tornado at that time was 800 yards. As it passed through Dundee. The tornado was still classified a low end EF2 with maximum winds of 115 mph. The tornado then tracked another 7 miles along highway 50 before lifting at 227 am at the Dixon Road intersection, causing generally EF0 damage to the east of Dundee. The total path of this tornado reached 13 miles.
June 2024LightningAzalia4 hurtno account filed
April 1974Tornado (F3)not stated3 hurt, $250,000no account filed
June 1973Tornado (F2)not stated2 hurt, $250,000no account filed
June 2005Thunderstorm WindMonroe2 hurt, $10,000Three RV's were blown over. A Carleton woman was injured at the Harbortown RV Resort on LaPlaisance Road. Another person was injured at Sterling State Park.
August 1995Thunderstorm WindNewport2 hurt, $5,000Trees and powerlines were blown down.
August 1997Thunderstorm WindTemperance2 hurt, $5,000no account filed
October 1999LightningDundee2 hurtno account filed
April 1963Tornado (F3)not stated1 hurt, $250,000no account filed
May 1964Tornado (F2)not stated1 hurt, $25,000no account filed
September 2001Thunderstorm WindMaybee1 hurt, $20,000Garage was blown down.
June 1998Thunderstorm WindMaybee1 hurt, $15,000no account filed
June 2005Thunderstorm WindErie1 hurtTrees and utility poles were blown down. One motorist was slightly injured when power lines fell on his SUV.
July 2002Thunderstorm WindMonroe1 hurtA newspaper reported that a large tree blew over in thunderstorm winds and fell onto a man, trapping him in his back yard.
September 1986Thunderstorm Windnot stated1 hurtno account filed
September 1986Thunderstorm Windnot stated1 hurtno account filed
June 2010Tornado (EF1)Detroit Beach$10,000,000A tornado touched down at 233 am just southwest of Woodland Beach. The tornado tracked 5 miles to the northeast, reaching Estral Beach at 239 am before moving into Lake Erie. The path width was 500 yards with estimated maximum winds of 90 mph, which is classified at an EF1. This tornado impacted the Fermi nuclear power facility, peeling off a section of the roof and some siding on storage buildings. Over 125 homes and 23 vehicles were damaged, with many trees downed.
November 2019FloodMonroe$4,000,000no account filed
March 2009FloodWoodland Beach$3,000,000no account filed
August 2023Tornado (EF1)Grafton$1,000,000The weak tornado touched down in a farm field in Ash Township north of Newport Road and half a mile west of North Telegraph Road. The tornado tracked southeast and hit Frenchtown Villa Mobile Home Park where the bulk of the damage occurred on the north side of the park. Roofs were torn off and a manufactured home was flipped over. Other damage included shingle and roof damage on the northeast side of the park. Maximum winds were estimated to be 100 mph. The tornado continued to track southeast and crossed over I-75 by the Meijer Distribution Center where large tree limbs were downed to the east of the center. As the tornado continued southeast, several large tree limbs were downed with leaning power poles noted. The tornado dissipated in a farm field about half a mile east of North Dixie Highway and south of Post Road in Frenchtown Township in Monroe County.
August 2023FloodOakville$1,000,000Flood waters from the flash flooding slowly receded.
September 2018Tornado (EF1)Monroe Custer Arpt$500,000The path began as weak EF0 damage, mainly to trees, until near Reinhardt and Heiss roads where it became a solid EF0. The tornado reached EF1 strength near Toben and South Stony Creek roads where roofing material was removed leaving exposed trusses and windows that were blown out of homes in the area. Garage doors were also blown in and many trees were damaged and uprooted. EF0 damage to siding and tree limbs was noted before the tornado dissipated near North Stoney Creek road and the railroad|tracks.
July 1998Thunderstorm WindMonroe$315,000no account filed
August 2023Tornado (EF1)South Rockwood$300,000The weak tornado touched down on Carleton Rockwood Road, one mile east of Telegraph Road. The tornado tracked eastward across Armstrong Road where there were numerous large tree limbs down. There were multiple trees that were snapped and tops taken off, along with some house shingles partially torn off near Brandon Road. The tornado continued to track east across I-75 and South Huron River Drive into where numerous large tree limbs were blown down, one of which fell on a house. There was also a roof partially torn off and garage door damaged near South Huron River Drive and North Dixie Highway. Maximum winds were estimated to be 105 mph. The tornado then crossed into Wayne County and moved over the Lake Erie Metropark Golf Course with multiple large tree limbs downed before ending at the Detroit River. The total path length of the tornado as it moved through Monroe and Wayne counties was 5.4 miles.
June 1973Tornado (F2)not stated$250,000no account filed
March 1968Tornado (F2)not stated$250,000no account filed
July 1995Thunderstorm WindCountywide$200,000A powerfull line of thunderstorms swept across southeast Michigan from northwest to southeast late in the afternoon on the 13th. An 18-year-old man was killed near Harbor Beach in Huron County when a barn that he was working in collapsed. A 50-year-old man suffered a broken leg when a tree limb fell on him near Croswell, in Sanilac County. The strong winds produced widespread power outages. Detroit Edison reported that 410,000 customers lost power in southeast Michigan due to the storm, which was the highest total for any storm since July, 1991. In addition, the winds produced widespread damage to trees and man-made structures. A State Farm Insurance Agent estimated that total damage claims of over $2 million would be filed. AAA Michigan expected to recieve claims from homeowners of over $3 million. The United States Coast Guard received dozens of distress calls as the storms moved across lakes Huron, Saint Clair and Erie, but no injuries or deaths were reported. (M18BU).
September 2018Tornado (EF0)South Rockwood Arpt$150,000An EF0 tornado began in Berlin Township in Monroe County just south of Sigler Road on North Dixie Highway. The tornado moved northeast about 2 miles before exiting Monroe County in South Rockwood. The tornado continue for another 2 miles before dissipating in Wayne County. The tornado remained at EF0 strength throughout the entire path. Damage in Monroe County included multiple limbs and large trees downed.
June 2010Tornado (EF1)Azalia$100,000An NWS storm survey confirmed a tornado touched down just north of the Cone Rd exit off US 23...about 2 miles south of Milan at 10:06 PM June 23. The tornado lifted about 2 1/2 miles northeast of Maybee, near Steffas Rd between Scofield and Zink. The total path length was 11 1/2 miles with an average path width of 50 yards. The tornado was rated an EF0 along most of its path, producing winds of 60 to 70 MPH. However, EF1 damage with winds estimated at 90 MPH was found near Tuttle Hill Rd in London Township where a roof was torn off of a pole barn and substantial tree damage was found. The width of this tornado had briefly extended to 100 yards in this location. Several homes also had roof and shingle damage - mainly in and near the town of Scofield.
May 2000Thunderstorm WindPetersburg$80,000no account filed
August 2007Thunderstorm WindMonroe$75,000Law enforcement reported widespread trees down throughout the city of Monroe and across eastern portions of Monroe County. Many homes and businesses suffered damage. The City of Monroe declared an emergency later in the night and asked people to stay off the streets. Winds were estimated at 65 MPH. Total property damages were estimated at roughly $75K.
June 2006LightningMonroe$75,000Lightning struck a home and a fire smoldered for 3 hours before erupting into a full blown fire. The home and the family's contents sustained heavy water, smoke and heat damage. No injuries were sustained. Total property damage was roughly estimated at 75K based on pictures included in the newspaper.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindDetroit Beach$70,000Trees and power lines were reported down.
June 2006Thunderstorm WindTemperance$65,000NWS storm survey reported a 40 foot by 40 foot roof section blown off the Bedford High School gymnasium. Numerous trees were also blown down in the area. The damage to the roof was so extensive that the entire roof had to be replaced, costing the school approximately $65K.
August 2023Thunderstorm WindSouth Rockwood$50,000Large trees observed blown down.
December 2015Thunderstorm WindOttawa Lake$50,000A wind damage swath was observed where multiple trees were downed. Shingles were blown off two roofs, and an out building destroyed. Two barn roofs were also blown off.
March 2012Tornado (EF0)Yargerville$50,000A tornado was confirmed in central Monroe county. The tornado was rated an EF0, with maximum wind speeds of 85 mph. The estimated path length of the tornado is 0.5 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards. Damage occurred along Ida Center Road just east of Lewis Rd. The damage consisted of siding and shingles blown off a house, a tipped car, a shed destroyed and trees blown down.
June 2006Tornado (F0)Estral Beach$50,000A very thin tornado briefly touched down just west of Chinavere Road and just north of Dixie Highway in Berlin Township at 1434 EST on Tuesday, June 27th. The tornado tracked southeast and lifted as it moved across Dixie Highway. The Tornado was rated an F0 anticyclonic tornado with winds up to 65 MPH. The tornado was on the ground for less than a minute but long enough to blow over a loaded tractor-trailer rig weighing 45,000 pounds parked next to a home. Only minor structural damage occurred to the home. The tornado created crop-circle like patterns in a neighboring wheat field. No injuries or deaths were reported. Property damages included the loss of the truck, confirmed at $50K. The same storm cell produced a waterspout over Lake Erie just moments later.
June 2001Thunderstorm WindMonroe$50,000Several trees, large limbs, and power lines were downed. Two cars in Monroe were smashed by falling trees. A home in Woodland Beach was heavily damaged when a tree fell on it. Power was out in downtown Monroe well into the next day.
April 2000LightningMaybee$50,000A lightning-caused fire destroyed a farmhouse.
September 2014Flash FloodCarleton$50,000no account filed
June 2006Flash FloodSouth Portion$50,000no account filed
July 1998Thunderstorm WindMaybee$50,000no account filed
June 2006Thunderstorm WindDundee$40,000NWS storm survey reported a barn destroyed and numerous trees down. Wind gusts estimated to 65 MPH. Property damage estimated at $30K. Tree damage estimated at $10K.
July 1999Thunderstorm WindMonroe$40,000no account filed
June 2008Thunderstorm WindPetersburg$35,000Trees reported down.
May 2000Thunderstorm WindMaybee$35,000no account filed
May 2000Flash FloodCountywide$30,000no account filed
April 2026Thunderstorm WindLambertville Arpt$25,000Metal tower attached to the north side and on top of the grain elevators blown east and collapsed on the train tracks in front of the grain elevators. Tarp roofing damage also noted across the street on Lynch Road.
April 2023Tornado (EF0)Rea$25,000The tornado touched down at the intersection of Brewer Rd and Petersburg Rd west southwest of Dundee. Damage in this area included a stand of pine trees down, damage to an outbuilding, and some significant shingle damage to a house with winds estimated at 75 mph in strength. The tornado then tracked along Brewer Rd with damage consisting of sporadic downed large limbs as Brewer Rd turned into Riley St. upon entering into the village of Dundee. Estimated wind speeds increased to a peak of 80 mph in downtown Dundee...specifically in the immediate vicinity of Memorial Park...with increased wind speeds aided by funneling effects between downtown buildings. Damage in this area consisted of a roof being partially blown off, windows blown out, downed limbs, and nearby car damage. The tornado then tracked further east northeastward until ending near the intersection of Dixon Rd and Sullivan Rd with continued sporadic downed large limbs.
February 2017LightningPatterson Gardens$25,000A house fire was reported due to a lightning strike, causing extensive damage in the attic. A hole was also observed in the roof.
May 2001Thunderstorm WindNewport$25,000A thunderstorm wind gust destroyed a barn, flinging the metal roof into a neighbor's yard. A boat and furniture inside the barn were damaged.
June 2001Thunderstorm WindMaybee$25,000Several trees and power lines were downed. One tree fell onto an Exeter Township home.
August 1979Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed
August 1979Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed
August 1979Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed

Mines and quarries

21 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 21 workings inside this county. 7 still produce and 14 are closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Stone, Crushed/Broken7
Fire Clay (Refractory)5
Limestone, General4
Sand and Gravel, Construction3
Silica1
Clay1

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Schesberger Sandstone ExposureSilicaPast Producer
South Rockwood Clay MineClayPast Producer
Deer Lake Farm PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
E. Rockwood Glass Sand ExposureSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Wargle PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Little Sink Quarry LimestoneLimestone, GeneralPast Producer
Lula Quarry LimestoneLimestone, GeneralPast Producer
Otter Limestone QuarryLimestone, GeneralPast Producer
Petersburg Limestone ExposureLimestone, GeneralProspect
Maybee Brick and Tile Co Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Meyer Brothers'Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Rhu's Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Ritter's Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Scotfield Tile Co Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Dundee Quarry and PlantStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer
Grape QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer
Ida Quarry- Plant & MillStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer
Maybee QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer
Monroe QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer
Ottawa Lake QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer
Turtle Lake PitStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer

Every populated place in the county

53

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on.

The vanished settlements of Monroe County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.