National Register Listing

Central School

a.k.a. Central Elementary School

325 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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
The name "Michigan" comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa," which means "large water" or "large lake." This refers to Lake Michigan, which is one of the five Great Lakes that border the state.
Michigan random facts
Ingham County, Michigan has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ojibwe, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlement began in the early 1830s, with the arrival of pioneers who established small farming communities.

The county was officially established in 1838 and named after Samuel D. Ingham, who was the Secretary of the Treasury under President Andrew Jackson. The county seat, Mason, was established in 1847 and remains the administrative center. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with agriculture as the primary industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated economic growth.

Ingham County played an important role in Michigan's history during the Civil War. The county contributed soldiers to the Union Army, and its residents actively participated in the war effort. In the post-war years, the county experienced further growth and expansion, with the establishment of educational institutions, parks, and cultural amenities.

Today, Ingham County is a vibrant and diverse area, home to Michigan State University, which was founded in 1855 and is now one of the largest universities in the United States. The county is also known for its government institutions, such as the Michigan State Capitol building and the Michigan Supreme Court. Ingham County continues to be an important center for education, government, and agriculture in the state of Michigan.

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

  • 1829 - Ingham County is established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • 1837 - The first county courthouse is built in Mason, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1841 - The Michigan State Capitol is relocated from Detroit to Lansing, becoming the state capital and bringing economic growth to Ingham County.
  • 1850 - The first public library in Lansing, the state capital, is established.
  • 1855 - Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) is founded in East Lansing.
  • 1863 - The Michigan State Capitol building is completed and becomes the principal government building.
  • 1897 - A devastating fire destroys much of the city of Lansing, leading to a significant rebuilding effort.
  • 1941 - The U.S. Army establishes Camp Lansing, which later becomes part of the Michigan National Guard.
  • 1951 - The Michigan State Police Training Academy is established in Lansing.
  • 1963 - The Lansing Civic Center (now named Lansing Center) is opened as a multi-purpose event facility.
  • 1998 - The Michigan State University Stadium, Spartan Stadium, undergoes a major expansion, increasing its capacity.