Like a number of Michigan counties the origin of the Alcona name has differing opinions.   Most agree it was named by Henry Schoolcraft, some say he named it after an Indian word meaning "the beautiful plains," but Others say he made up the word with "al" from - Arabic meaning "the," "co" meaning "plain" or "prairie," and " na " that meant excellent; thus the word is interpreted as "excellent plain," for the county of Alcona.   Historical evidence shows that the area was inhabited by Native Americans as far back as 9000 BC. Native Americans would camp on Lake Huron 's shoreline near "The Great Black Rock," Native Americans would place offerings in the rocks hollowed out surface to ensure a safe journey. This area was first settled by French trappers and fishermen around 1845. Early industries included lumbering, fishing and farming.   A fishing station started there in 1849 later became the headquarters for the lumbering firm of Alger Smith & Company, which, from 1876 to 1880, was considered the largest pine timber producer in the world.

The City of Harrisville is Alcona's County seat and is located on Lake Huron at the junction of M-72 and US-23. One interesting attraction in Alcona County is the Cedar Brook Trout Farm, established in the early 1950's it was the first licensed trout farm in Michigan .   Cold water springs that flow in the area, provide almost perfect conditions for raising rainbow and brook trout. During the tourist season you can try your luck fishing in either their brook or their rainbow trout pond and you don't need a fishing license. Another attraction to check out is the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse; built in 1869 it still continues to operate. Today Lumbering and Farming are still important industries in Alcona County , along with tourism. With thirty miles of great lakes shoreline, one of Michigan 's largest inland lakes, Hubbard Lake , and miles of excellent trout streams including the AuSable River , Alcona county plays an important part in Outdoor Michigan.

Alpena County Websites and Locations of Interest

http://www.infomi.com/county/alcona/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcona_County%2C_Michigan