The City of Houghton was born during the nation's first mining boom. Douglass Houghton (the city's name sake) was the state's first geologist and documented the rich copper deposits of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The City of Houghton grew out of economic prosperity and by 1865 was a thriving shipping port and business cultural center for the rich mining district. Low copper process and the cost of operating deep underground mines forced the decline and closure of the mining industry. The entire region suffered, and the population decreased 51% between 1920 and 1970. After this economic catastrophe the City of Houghton found it has a unique urban fabric of waterfront, historic buildings and steep hillsides along with unparalleled scenic environment of the Keweenaw Peninsula. These provided the opportunities for an economic revitalization program. In the late 1960s, the City of Houghton, like other communities in the region was suffering from the loss of its economic base. With a deteriorating infrastructure in need of improvements, the city participated in the HUD 701 planning program. A comprehensive plan was prepared and adopted. While many communities also approached their problems this way, Houghton actually implemented many of the plans and recommendations; improving the water, sewer and transportation network, central business and Portage Lake waterfront. This plan set the stage for a framework for a continuing planning effort. Since 1971 the city's strategy has evolved into a development process through the formation of public/private partnership. Community Resources… The city's aggressive roll in facilitating economic growth has given the community new impetus and a positive attitude toward the future. The population mix reflects the benefits of cohesive community values. A strong work ethic, love of the area and traditional family values provide a solid foundation for continued growth. Our modern, well staffed and equipped schools provide programs from pre-school to adult education. Houghton students consistently rank among the finest in the state. Approximately 70% proceed to post secondary education. Special programs for the learning disabled as well as accelerated programs for the gifted exist at all grade levels. In cooperation with the local business, a vocational education program is available to students in their junior and senior years. Houghton has benefited greatly from its close relationship to Michigan Technological University. Recognized as a national and international leader in engineering, science, and business, MTU's faculty and resources are dedicated to instruction, research and service to the region. Houghton's initial planning process coincided with increased enrollment and expansion of facilities at the University. This growth spurred by an increasingly technological global economy, reinforces the role of MTU in the economic future of the city. A parallel development to Houghton's increased business activity has been the need for more housing to accommodate a growing population. The city has assisted private developers through low interest loans in constructing these housing projects. Four season recreation… Houghton is located within the Keweenaw Peninsula…a four season scenic wonderland. Surrounded by water with numerous inland lakes and streams, this area provides some of the finest outdoor recreation in the Midwest. An annual average of snowfall of 180 inches makes this area a focal point for winter sports enthusiasts. Excellent downhill skiing and miles of challenging cross-country ski trails beckon. Snowmobiles can travel from the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Wisconsin and Minnesota. Programs to develop recreational opportunities for residents and visitors has led to assisting privately developed lodging and retail ventures. Improvements to public facilities, such as the Portage Lake waterfront, attract more tourists every year and generate continued support for revitalization programs.