Due to rich stands of virgin timber , lumbering became a major industry , and a railroad spur soon linked Fremont to the national rail network . The lumbering industry declined in the 1860s because of the American Civil War ; and in 1871 , Fremont experienced a major forest fire that caused extensive damage , especially to the lumber mills . Nevertheless , Fremont rebuilt and was even able to supply some lumber to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871
Great Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Fremont, Michigan