Lumberman's Monument

In the latter half of the 19th century, northern Michigan’s woods boomed as a rapidly growing nation demanded sturdy white pine for home building, shipbuilding, and expanding industries. Early lumbermen met that challenge while enduring harsh living conditions, strenuous work, and little pay, and their courage, endurance, and contribution helped pave the way for America’s growth. Dedicated on July 16, 1932, the Lumberman’s Monument was sculpted by Robert Aitkens of New York at a cost of $50,000, with bronze figures on a granite base depicting a river rat with his peavey, a timber cruiser holding a compass, and a sawyer with an axe and cross-cut; the names etched in the base are contributors, many from lumbering families.

Michigan · United States