National Register Listing

East Ward School

a.k.a. Teresa Merrill School

106 N. Traver St., St. Johns, MI
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture geology water ethnic heritage Native American
Michigan was the birthplace of the American automobile industry. In the early 20th century, automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler established headquarters and factories in Michigan, leading to a boom in the state's economy and population. Detroit became known as the "Motor City" and a symbol of American industrial power.
Michigan random facts
Clinton County, Michigan is steeped in history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Anishinaabe tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, with Asa Davis being the county's first permanent settler in 1835. The county was officially established on March 2, 1839, and it was named after DeWitt Clinton, the New York governor who championed the construction of the Erie Canal.

In its early years, Clinton County relied primarily on agriculture, with farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The construction of the railways in the mid-19th century brought economic growth and development to the county. The Lansing and Northern Railroad was completed in 1870, providing a vital transportation link to the state capital, Lansing. This enabled the county to expand its trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of small towns and villages across the region.

The county's growth continued into the 20th century, with the rise of the automotive industry in nearby Lansing having a significant impact on Clinton County. Many residents found employment in the auto plants, supporting the region's economic vitality. The construction of the Capital Region International Airport in the 1920s also bolstered transportation and business opportunities.

Today, Clinton County is a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban landscapes. Agriculture remains an important industry, but the county has diversified its economy, with manufacturing, healthcare, and education also playing significant roles. The county boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historical sites, such as the historic courthouse in St. Johns, providing residents and visitors with a glimpse into the county's rich heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clinton County, Michigan.

  • 1822 - Clinton County was established by the Michigan Territory Legislature.
  • 1839 - The first post office in the county was established.
  • 1849 - The Michigan Central Railroad opened in the county.
  • 1857 - Clinton County's first newspaper, "The Clinton County Republican," was founded.
  • 1876 - St. Johns, the county seat, was incorporated as a city.
  • 1904 - The Clinton County Courthouse was built.
  • 1941 - The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect species, was accidentally introduced to the county.
  • 1985 - The county's population exceeded 50,000 people.
  • 1990 - The Capital Region International Airport opened in Clinton County.
  • 2000 - The Clinton County Historical Society was formed.