Looking for Information and Photos from Early Cisco Road Development 1901 Train Stop
Explore the Iconic History of the Tree in the Middle of the Road
Discover the beauty and history of this unique landmark on Cisco Lake Road, Watersmeet, MI.
Cisco Chain of Lakes
Memories
I have been coming up here my whole life. As a child I have fond memories of the car ride to our cottage on Kitty Island via Cisco Lake Road South. I vividly recall the tree in the middle of the road and my father driving his 88 Oldsmobile towards it, and my mother hanging on. As we approached the tree I would fly up in the air in the back seat unbound by any seatbelt. My father would magically make the tree move out of the way with a wave of his hand and some words and the tree would move to the side and let us pass.
Sadly, both my parents are gone now and so is the tree. It was hit by lightning for the last time _____ year date in 80's_____ and started on fire. The county removed it and now only the stump remains, This iconic landmark has been missed ever since.
My Quest
I am on a quest to uncover the history of that tree and the story behind why the road was routed around the tree to create this amazing illusion. I have heard a story that it was originally left as a memorial to the road Forman's daughter who was killed in a car accident and trying to confirm this information.
Today a sapling grows from the stump of the original tree. You can just see the tip in the middle of the road as you drive south on Cisco Lake. I hope to preserve this sapling and witness it grow to inspire future generations of Cisco Chain residents and visitors.
Watersmeet Michigan
Watersmeet was a village located at a junction point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. The line from Wisconsin (via Land-O-Lakes) connected here and continued west to Ironwood. A line was later added from Iron River to complete the junction.
In around 1901 this trainline ended at the cross roads off Cisco Lake Road by what is now Cisco Lake Resort. I am still getting details. The stop was there. The road was only a path and it was so muddy and dangerous anytime it rained or snowed.
C&NW Station, Watersmeet
Pictured here is the C&NW station at Watersmeet. At the time, 1909 the depot was heated with an oil stove, and included water, coal, a turntable, a wye, and a seven stall roundhouse. They also had a yard here. This was at MP 102.9 (from Powers, MI). . [Susan Murphy Collection, Via Michigan Railroads}.
Around this time ( Still researching ) a line was added when Cisco Lake Road opened up the forest area for logging. On the corner of South Cisco Lake Road and Sylvan Isle Drive ( Behind the mail boxes) was a huge field where the train stop stood. It was a logging train but passengers used it too.
Historically, Watersmeet was the railroad hub for the upper peninsula. Now the abandoned railroad beds are now snowmobile and ATV trails.
Finding the tree in the middle of the road
1951 Map. In the early 1940's, under the McNitt Act, the townships in Michigan transferred their local roads to their respective County. However - the actual records of the transfer for Watersmeet have been lost. the township gave the rights of Cisco Lake Road road to Gogebic county and they changed the direction of the road to straighten it out and make it more drivable. The plan was to cut the tree down and straighten the road there. It was laid Gravel and paved tar in the 70s.
Coordinates are appx: 46.257810, -89.428971 copy and past that into google maps and it will take you right there. Please note - this is a highway - you can not stop! However you can park at the end of the road and walk up to the location about 1/4 mile.
Right before the tree location, traveling south on Cisco Lake Road, there is a warning double curve sign. The first curve to the left goes by the tree location point.
Thank you to the Gogebic County Road Commission of Bessemer, MI Phil Strong for map
Lester Newman
So the story goes... when the Cisco chain neighbors heard about the plan to change the route of Cisco Lake road and cut the giant white pine down, they started to talk to each other. Lester Newman, who lived on the chain, placed a call to the county road commission to save the tree. I am still getting more details - but most obviously it worked. The tree was saved and the road was laid around on the east side of the tree creating the middle of the road vantage point.
Information provided by son, David.
Here is a beautiful painting of the tree before the county changed the route of Cisco Lake Road by artist C. Kreteck provided to me by Phil Strong
Cisco Chain Riparian Owners Association
has a Facebook where you can message the team for more information regarding visiting the Cisco Lake area.
Collaborate with Tree In The Middle Of The Road
Please help me - If you have any information regarding the tree or photos you would like to share on this website, please text me. I am looking for photos of the train line and the road before it was paved Tree in the Middle of the Road - South Cisco Lake Road, Watersmeet Michigan History - help me get the story right!
HISTORY COLLABORATORS "Thank you for your help"
Phil Strong County Road Commission
Bob Z of the Sylvania Outfitters
Jay S of Jay's Resort Cisco Chain
David Newman Chain Neighbor
Michigan Railroad website
Photos provided by Chain Neighbors
Photo by Cathy S.
Copy of 70's Post Card
