Calhoun County, Michigan

Δ𝚻Δ African Methodist Episcopal Church Albion College American Museum of Magic Battle Creek Centennial Celebration Battle Creek City Hall Battle Creek Community College Battle Creek House Battle Creek No. 4 Fire Station Battle Creek Post Office Battle Creek Sanitarium / Percy Jones General Hospital Beckley School Birthplace of Famed Song Birthplace of "Old Rugged Cross" Brewer Street Bryant Farm Butler-Boyce House / W. D. Boyce C. W. Post / C.W. Post Monument Cabin of Adam Crosswhite Calhoun County Fair Capitol Hill School Cereal Bowl of America Charles T. Gorham Crary Street Del Shannon / Runaway Eagle Opera House Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster / "Working for Humanity" First Baptist Church First Baptist Church First Courthouse / Brooks Memorial Fountain First Presbyterian Church Gardner House Museum Gauss Ice House / Ice Harvesting Gordon Street Gorham Street Governor's Mansion Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall Harold C. Brooks / Fitch-Gorham-Brooks House Hemmingsen Rexall Drug Store Hobart Street Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Homer Fire Station Homestead Savings & Loan Association, F.A. Honolulu House Horace Perrin / Perrinville Howard F. Young / Postmasters Independent Congregational Church Isaac E. Crary and John D. Pierce / State School System Isaac E. Crary House James A. Miner James and Ellen White Jeremiah Cronin Jr. House / John Bellairs John D. Pierce Homesite Kellogg Community College Ketchum Park Ketchum Street Kimball House Museum LaSalle Hotel Liberty Tree Memorial Lieutenant George A. Woodruff Lockwood Family / Lockwood House Mansion St. Marengo Pioneer Cemetery Marshall Marshall High School World War II Veterans Memorial Marshall Veterans Memorial Mary Miller / Hillside Methodism in Battle Creek Michigan Ave. Michigan Central Depot Montgomery Street Mother's Day In Albion / Mother's Day National House National House Inn Oliver C. Comstock Jr. Patent Medicine Town Pioneer School Postum Cereal Company / Postum Cereal Company Factory Purple Heart Memorial Railroad Union Birthplace Rendezvous Encampment Riverside Cemetery Sam Hill Drive Sam Hill House Samuel Coleman House Schellenberger Tavern Schuler's Second Baptist Church Seirn B. Cole House Seventh-day Adventists Sidney Ketchum (1797-1862) / Marshall House Sojourner Truth Memorial Sojourner Truth Statue St. Philip Roman Catholic Church St. Thomas Episcopal Church Stow-Hasbrouck House Sullivan Insurance Agency, Inc. The First Home The Gale House The Hawkins Farm The Interurban / Interurban Depot The Log Schoolhouse The Observatory The Old Stone Barn The Starr Commonwealth Schools / Floyd Starr The United States Bicentennial 1776-1976 The Wolverine Rangers Thomas J. O'Brien Toll Gate Trinity Episcopal Church / Montgomery Schuyler Two Medical Business Leaders U.S.S. Maine Memorial Plaque Veterans Hospital No. 100 Ward Mill Site / Ward Building Site Willard Library William W. Cook
Calhoun County, Michigan, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Potawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and the potential for economic prosperity.

In 1829, Calhoun County was officially established, named after prominent American statesman, John C. Calhoun. The county seat was initially located in the town of Marshall, which quickly grew and became an important center of commerce, industry, and culture. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with farmers producing wheat, corn, and various other crops.

During the mid-19th century, Calhoun County witnessed a period of rapid growth and industrialization. The arrival of railroads in the 1850s brought enhanced transportation links, boosting trade and facilitating the development of manufacturing industries. Marshall, in particular, became known for its production of carriages and later automobiles. This period of prosperity was not without challenges, as the county experienced the impacts of the Civil War and the economic downturns that followed.

In the 20th century, Calhoun County continued to evolve, adapting to changing economic landscapes. The automotive industry took hold in the county, attracting major corporations such as General Motors and Kellogg Company, which established factories and brought job opportunities. Over the years, the county also focused on diversifying its economy, expanding into healthcare, education, and technology sectors.

Today, Calhoun County preserves its historical heritage while embracing modern advancements. It offers a blend of rural landscapes and urban centers, providing residents and visitors with a diverse array of recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities.
Brief timeline of the history of Calhoun County, Michigan:

  • 1829 - Calhoun County is established by the Legislative Council of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1833 - Battle Creek is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1836 - The first courthouse is built in Battle Creek.
  • 1842 - The Michigan Central Railroad extends its line to Battle Creek, promoting growth and development in the county.
  • 1855 - The county's population reaches 15,000.
  • 1865 - The American Civil War ends, and Calhoun County experiences rapid industrialization and economic expansion.
  • 1873 - The county courthouse is destroyed by fire, leading to the construction of a new courthouse in 1874.
  • 1897 - The cereal company, Kellogg's, is founded in Battle Creek, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Calhoun County, causing significant economic challenges.
  • 1950s - The county experiences suburbanization trends, with population growth in areas surrounding Battle Creek.
  • 1961 - The Battle Creek Sanitarium, founded by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, closes its doors.
  • 1963 - The Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is established, bringing military presence and economic opportunities.
  • 1982 - The Kellogg Company's headquarters moves from Battle Creek to nearby Battle Creek Township.
  • 1990s - The county undergoes revitalization efforts, focusing on downtown Battle Creek and attracting new businesses.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Calhoun County, Michigan.