Tittabawassee Lakes, also known as the body of water that includes Wixom Lake, Sanford Lake, and Smallwood Lake in Michigan, have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The lakes are situated along the Tittabawassee River, which stretches for 96 miles from the Clare County boundary to the Shiawassee River in Saginaw County. These lakes have played a significant role in the history and development of the surrounding communities and have been a source of recreation and livelihood for many residents.
The region around Tittabawassee Lakes has been inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries. The lakes provided a valuable source of water, fish, and transportation for the indigenous people who lived in the area. Evidence of human settlement near the lakes dates back to the Paleo-Indian period, around 11,000 years ago.
European settlement in the region began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of trading posts and logging camps along the Tittabawassee River. The abundance of timber in the area led to the rapid development of the logging industry, with logs being floated down the river to sawmills and shipping ports.
The construction of dams along the Tittabawassee River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the formation of the reservoirs that would become Wixom Lake, Sanford Lake, and Smallwood Lake. These dams were built to control the flow of water for hydropower generation, flood control, and recreational purposes. Wixom Lake, the largest of the three lakes, was created in 1925 with the completion of the Edenville Dam. Sanford Lake was formed in 1925 with the construction of the Sanford Dam, and Smallwood Lake was created in 1923 with the building of the Smallwood Dam.
The lakes became popular recreational destinations in the early 20th century, attracting tourists and residents looking to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities. The surrounding communities grew as a result of the increasing popularity of the lakes, with resorts, campgrounds, and residential developments springing up along the shorelines.
In recent years, the Tittabawassee Lakes have faced challenges, including environmental issues such as pollution and invasive species. The lakes also made headlines in May 2020 when heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that overwhelmed the dams on the Tittabawassee River, resulting in the complete draining of Wixom Lake and severe damage to the surrounding areas.
Despite these challenges, the Tittabawassee Lakes remain an important part of the region’s history and identity. Efforts are underway to restore and protect the lakes for future generations to enjoy, ensuring that their legacy continues for years to come.