Lake History

OUR WATERS

Discover the Marble Chain of Lakes

The Coldwater Marble Chain of Lakes is a defining part of Branch County, connecting a remarkable series of lakes from the Quincy area south toward Coldwater. First Lake marks the northern beginning of the chain, which continues through Marble, Middle, Archer, Bartholomew, Mud, Long and Coldwater Lakes.

More than a recreational destination, these waters tell the story of the region itself. Over generations, the lake system has been shaped by settlement, industry and the development of navigable channels, eventually becoming the connected lake community enjoyed today.

MARBLE LAKE

A Rich Part of Local History

Marble Lake near Quincy, Michigan has a surprisingly rich history, especially because of its connection to the early settlement of Quincy, the railroad era, the cement industry, and the development of lake resorts. Marble Lake covers roughly 780 to 850 acres and reaches depths of around 60 feet at its deepest point and is part of the connected Marble-Coldwater chain of lakes in Branch County.

Marble Lake is a glacially formed lake in the Coldwater River drainage. Geological surveys from the late 1800s/early 1900s described Marble Lake as one of the largest lakes in the chain between Quincy and Coldwater. The surrounding sandy deposits were associated with ancient glacial drainage.

The lake’s name is particularly interesting: “Marble” refers not to actual marble rock, but to the extensive deposits of marl found in the lake. Marl is a calcium-carbonate-rich sediment, often formed from shells and other aquatic material.

The Quincy area began being settled around 1830. An early history of Branch County records the first land entries in the township beginning in the period and specifically identifies Marble and neighboring lakes as an important geographic feature southwest of the developing village.

The lake was therefore part of the landscape encountered by the first settlers of Quincy rather than being something created or significantly altered by modern development.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marble Lake had become much more accessible. A Michigan geological survey described the lake as extending about three miles south from Quincy and noted that it was easily accessible by the Hillsdale-Adrian branch of the Michigan Central Railroad.

The accessibility helped transform the lake from simply a natural feature into a recreation and vacation destination.

There is actually photographic evidence of this era. The University of Michigan’s David V. Tinder collection contains a 1906 postcard of Prospect Point of Marble Lake, explicitly identifying hotels, resorts and cottages as subjects. So, people were already vacationing on Marble Lake at least by the early 1900s.

The lake contained large deposits of marl, and those deposits were commercially mined and used in the manufacture of Portland cement at the Quincy cement mill. A State geological publication says the deposits in Marble Lake were eventually “virtually exhausted,” while marl deposits in lakes farther south in the chain continued to be worked.

The mining wasn’t insignificant. The historical account describes steam shovels removing marl, leaving abrupt Transitions into deep water. In other words, some of the lake’s underwater characteristics and shoreline were actually altered by the industrial activity. That’s a fascinating piece of local history that isn’t immediately obvious when looking at the lake today. As the 20th century progressed, Marble Lake increasingly become a summer recreation destination.

The old postcards are good evidence of this. The University of Michigan has a 1952 postcard of Wildwood Beach on Marble Lake, with the collection categorizing the image under hotels, resorts and cottages. The postcard even contains a handwritten reference to fishing on the lake.

So, by the 1950s, the lake had an established cottage/resort culture, with families coming for swimming, fishing and summer vacations.

Today, Marble Lake remains part of the larger connected Marble-Coldwater chain, which is one of the defining natural features of the Quincy area. The Village of Quincy master plan describes First Lake and Marble Lake as the northern portion of the chain and notes their importance for recreation, wildlife and seasonal/year-round residents.

LOOK THROUGH

Archer/Middle/Bartholomew Lakes

The Tri-Lake Basin: Archer Lake, Middle Lake, and Bartholomew Lake are situated adjacent to each other southwest of Quincy and north/east of Coldwater, functioning essentially as a continuous body of water separated only by minor narrows and channels. These lakes form a critical linkage within the 17-mile-long Marble-Coldwater chain of lakes in Branch County.

Archer Lake: Covers approximately 64 acres with depths reaching approximately 35 to 36 feet.
Middle Lake: Extends roughly one mile in length and half a mile in width, based on the earliest fishery survey.
Bartholomew Lake: Spans approximately 80 to 87 acres with a maximum depth of 56 feet, making it the deepest of the three lakes.
Fishing and Recreation: The lakes support warm-water fisheries featuring species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Local access and boating amenities are supported by nearby marine services, including Archer Lake Watersports.

Early Settlement & the Bartholomew Family

A significant historical reference is an old history of Algansee Township preserved by the Branch District Library. It describes early township conditions as heavily timbered, with some open oak plains.

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Notably, it explicitly identifies Marble, Middle, and Bartholomew Lakes as the three primary lakes within the township. The earliest recorded land entries include Jedediah Jessup and Charles Butler in 1835, followed by several others in 1836, indicating that settlement surrounding these lakes occurred during the first generation of European-American colonization of Branch County. Additionally, there is a notable connection to the Bartholomew family: Lyman Bartholomew, born in 1841, was raised on his father Jehial Bartholomew’s farm in Algansee Township. Jehial Bartholomew migrated to Branch County after settling in Michigan during the 1830s. Although it has not been definitively established that Bartholomew Lake was named for Jehial or his family, the early establishment of the Bartholomew family in the vicinity suggests that further investigation into this potential relationship is warranted.

Early Lake & Fisheries Surveys

The Michigan State Board of Fish Commissioners carried out an extensive survey of Branch County lakes in 1885–1886. Their description of Middle Lake states it was approximately one mile long, half a mile wide, with a depth of 36 feet, featuring a soft-mud shoreline, a somewhat elevated eastern shoreline, and an abundant fish population.

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Regarding Bartholomew Lake, they noted it was approximately three-fourths of a mile long, half a mile wide, with a maximum depth of 56 feet, and that the fish population was well-nourished, with food sources including shiners, chubs, and crayfish. This account provides valuable insight into the lake’s conditions nearly 140 years ago and includes evidence of hydraulic connectivity, as the survey describes water flows from Bartholomew Lake through a ditch toward adjacent lakes and ultimately toward Marble Lake.

The Michigan State Board of Fish Commissioners conducted an extensive survey of Branch County’s lakes in 1885-1886.

Glacial Lakes, Marl & the Cement Industry

The interconnected lake system exhibits a unique dual history: originating as natural glacial lakes, followed by agricultural settlement, marl extraction, the development of artificial and navigable channels, and ultimately becoming a recreational lake chain. This industrial history is particularly significant because marl was a valuable resource for cement manufacturing in this region of Michigan.

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The sediments around these lakes contain substantial quantities of marl. Modern lake data still indicates:

Archer Lake: Marl and muck
Bartholomew Lake: Sand, marl, muck, and gravel
Middle and Archer areas: Marl and muck

The local cement industry, centered around Quincy and Coldwater, exploited these deposits. An old Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lake inventory map of Marble Lake identifies the Wolverine Cement Plant, gravel pits, and related infrastructure in the vicinity. If doubts remain as to why these relatively small lakes are connected via channels capable of accommodating boat traffic, the cement industry’s influence is a significant part of the explanation.

Growth of the Lake Country

The development of the lake country coincided with the growth of Quincy and Coldwater. Coldwater was settled in 1829, experienced rapid growth during the 1830s, and was served by the railway in the 19th century. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Coldwater had developed industries such as lumber and Portland cement manufacturing. The combination of railroad connectivity, the cement industry, and navigable lakes heightened the region’s economic importance beyond what may be apparent from the present quiet rural lake communities. Currently, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources lists Archer Lake and Bartholomew Lake as separate entities, although historical surveys sometimes describe these waterways differently.

From Quiet Lakes to Recreation

By the year 1960, the three lakes were distinctly recognized as named geographic features on federal maps. This warrants further investigation, as there are indications suggesting that the recreational development of these lakes occurred in distinct stages. The broader Marble/Quincy chain was already emerging as a recreational destination by the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, Bartholomew, Archer, and Middle Lakes appear to have remained relatively quieter and less resort-oriented compared to Marble Lake. In contemporary times, these lakes are deeply integrated into the recreational network. For instance, there is a public Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boat launch on Middle Lake, and Archer Lake has maintained a longstanding presence in watersports and marina activities. Additionally, the state regulates the connecting channels as slow-no-wake waterways. Specifically, regulations govern the channels linking Coldwater, Long, Mud, Bartholomew, Middle, and Marble Lakes, with this regulation dating back to August 14, 1965.

The significance of the 1965 regulation date is notable, as it suggests that, by the mid-20th century, the interconnected lake system had become sufficiently active to necessitate formal boating regulations. An 1888 biography of Lyman Bartholomew indicates his involvement in the Chain Lake Channel Company, which was responsible for constructing the waterway from Quincy to Kinderhook Corners. This indicates that residents living around these lakes were engaged in organized efforts to improve the waterways as early as the 19th century, rather than solely benefiting from channels created at a later date by the cement industry.

A Timeline of the Lakes

Synthesizing the available information yields the following timeline:

Pre-1830:

Glacial lake system characterized by wetlands, forests, and native landscape.

1830s:

European-American settlement begins in the Quincy/Algansee area, with early land entries recorded around 1835–1836.

1840s–1870s:

Farming development occurs around the lakes, with families such as the Bartholomew’s establishing themselves in the region.

1885–1886:

Michigan conducts its initial scientific fish survey, documenting Bartholomew and Middle Lakes in detail, including depth measurements, bottom conditions, and fish populations.

1880s:

The Chain Lake Channel Company is active, involving local landowners in efforts to improve the waterways.

Late 1800s–early 1900s:

The industrial and transportation economy of Quincy and Coldwater expands, with cement becoming increasingly significant.

Early–mid 1900s:

Marl extraction and channel improvements grow in importance to support the cement industry.

Mid-1900s:

The lakes increasingly develop into recreational/cottage lakes.

Mid-1900s:

The lakes increasingly develop into recreational and cottage destinations.

1960:

US Geological Survey (USGS) mapping clearly identifies Archer, Bartholomew, and Middle Lakes, along with their surrounding road network.

1965:

Michigan establishes slow-no-wake regulations for the connecting channels among the lakes.

Present Day:

The three lakes remain integral components of the interconnected Coldwater–Marble chain, encompassing approximately 2,700 acres of linked water bodies.

Mud/Wright Lake

Mudd Lake (commonly referred to as Mud Lake) in Coldwater, Michigan, is occasionally identified by some individuals as Wright Lake. This area comprises a shallow, vegetation-rich body of water linked to a local chain of five lakes culminating at Marble Lake in Quincy.

This body of water is part of the historic Coldwater-Marble Chain of Lakes; a system of interconnected lakes located within Ovid Township and the surrounding Coldwater region. The chain includes Coldwater Lake, Long Lake, Mud/Wright Lake, Bartholomew Lake, Archer Lake, Middle Lake, and Marble Lake. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries report provides mapping of the system and its connecting waterways.

Historically, Mud Lake appears to have functioned as a relatively small lake within this larger network rather than as an isolated body of water. Current property records and real estate descriptions in Branch County indicate the existence of Mud Lake Drive and waterfront properties associated with the lake and its channel system, demonstrating the continued usage of the name over several decades.

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A notable detail is that Mud/Wright Lake encompasses approximately 30 acres, with a maximum recorded depth of approximately 25 feet. Additionally, geographic references list “Mud Lake” as an alternate name for Wright Lake. This implies that some historical and local references to “Mud Lake” may actually pertain to Wright Lake, while contemporary maps distinguish between the two.

The lakes surrounding Coldwater are primarily the result of the region’s glacial landscape. Over time, these lakes have become increasingly significant for recreational activities such as fishing and boating, as well as for cottage development and year-round residences. The Mud Lake area holds considerable Indigenous historical significance, with artifacts such as pottery shards, Jesuit trade rings, and ancient Native pathways discovered in the local sediments. Initially, Branch County was characterized by dense forests and approximately 90 lakes. Early settlers cleared extensive forested areas by piling and burning logs, thereby transforming the landscape.

Mud Lake is named for its muddy bottomlands and abundant aquatic vegetation, serving as a vital habitat for species including bluegill, largemouth bass, turtles, waterfowl, and amphibians.

Ovid Township’s master plan explicitly states that Coldwater Lake has long been a destination for residents and vacationers, while Mud/Wright Lake has also developed seasonal cottages and lakefront residences. Presently, the interconnected waterways continue to be used for recreational purposes. The Michigan DNR identifies public boat access points along the Coldwater-Marble chain, which remains a significant recreational resource within Branch County.

LOOK THROUGH

Long Lake

Long Lake, located near Coldwater, Michigan, was formed thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers and is situated within the South Channel of the lake system originating from Marble-Coldwater. The lake encompasses approximately 123 acres at coordinates approximately 41.85° N, 84.967° W.

A Glacial Lake & Early Landscape

This body of water resides in an area heavily shaped by the Wisconsin Glacial Stage, resulting in a complex network of interconnected waterways and lowland terrain within Branch County. When European-American settlers initially arrived in the region, it was characterized by numerous lakes, streams, wetlands, and forested areas that provided abundant opportunities for hunting, fishing, and seasonal camping. Historical records from around 1879 indicate that Long Lake was identified as one of two primary lakes in Ovid Township, alongside Lake of the Woods. Recognized as a natural feature, the lake predates modern subdivision or resort development. Long Lake is part of an interconnected aquatic system that includes Mud/Wright Lake, Bartholomew Lake, Archer Lake, and Marble Lake, ultimately integrating into the broader Coldwater Lake recreational network.

Changes to the Waterways

In the mid-19th century, the region’s hydrology was further modified by local marl mining operations and the construction of a dam on the Coldwater River near Hodunk in 1847. Over subsequent decades, Long Lake transitioned from a remote wilderness and agricultural frontier into a popular residential and recreational destination, known for boating, fishing, and community associations within the greater Coldwater area.

Long Lake in the Early 20th Century

By the early 20th century, the lake remained relatively undeveloped. A significant historical record is the Michigan Department of Conservation fishery survey conducted during 1941–1942.

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At that time, Long Lake was described as possessing:

Approximately 123 acres of water;

Marshy shoreline;

Limited road access encircling the lake;

Five shoreline cottages;

No resorts, hotels, or recreational centers;

One boat livery primarily serving fishermen;

Fishing as the principal recreational activity.

The survey also noted that swimming was not particularly popular due to the absence of suitable beaches.

A Long History of Fishing

For over a century, fishing has been a central aspect of Long Lake’s identity. The 1941 survey aimed, in part, to document the lake’s fish populations and habitat. The lakebed was mapped in January 1941, followed by biological and fish population assessments conducted during spring and summer of that year. Today, Long Lake continues to be known for species such as bluegill and largemouth bass, while the larger Coldwater area lake system supports a broader diversity of sport fish.

From Wetlands to a Recreational Lake

The marshy, peat- and muck-covered shoreline likely limited early development. The 1941 fisheries report specifically highlighted the challenges posed by difficult shoreline access and the lack of suitable swimming beaches. In summary, Long Lake has transformed from a glacially formed, forested and wetland-dominated natural feature used primarily by early settlers and fishermen, into a lightly developed fishing lake in the early 20th century, and ultimately into the residential and recreational lake that is recognized today.

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