Bay County is aptly named as it surrounds the Saginaw Bay on Lake
Huron. Situated at the upper base of Michigan’s "thumb," this area
has been a major geographical focal point with respect to the Great
Lakes. In the past, this has included visits by key historical figures
such as Champlain and Marquette when the area was still being developed.
The Saginaw River empties into the Bay at Bay City, and has played a
major role in the County’s history and development. It was used to float
lumber to Bay City in the late 1800’s where it could then be shipped.
Later, it became a major industrial port for shipbuilding, steel and
agriculture, (including sugar from sugar beets, which the area is also
known for). Today, Bay County continues to play a major part economically
in various and diversified areas of manufacturing, such as auto parts,
machinery, cement, steel and agriculture. It also remains a prime
recreational area for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports.
