Kendall, Silas W., House

7540 W. Michigan Ave., Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo, MI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

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.

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The city of Flint, Michigan, is known for its history in the automotive industry and was once home to General Motors. However, it is also known for the Flint water crisis, which began in 2014 when the city switched its water source to the Flint River and resulted in lead contamination of the city's water supply.
Kalamazoo County, located in southwestern Michigan, has a rich history dating back to ancient Native American settlements. The region was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe, who relied on the area's abundant resources for their livelihood. The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, establishing the present-day city of Kalamazoo in 1829.

During the 19th century, Kalamazoo County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Michigan Central Railroad in the 1830s facilitated transportation and boosted the local economy. The county became known for its agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, corn, and potatoes. In the mid-19th century, Kalamazoo became a major hub for paper and pharmaceutical manufacturing, further contributing to its economic prosperity.

In the early 20th century, Kalamazoo County played a significant role in the automotive industry, with several automobile manufacturing companies establishing operations in the county. Notably, the Gibson Guitar Corporation, known for its iconic guitars, was founded in Kalamazoo in 1902. Throughout the 20th century, the county continued to diversify its economy, witnessing advancements in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and technology.

Today, Kalamazoo County is a thriving community with a population of over 260,000 residents. It is home to Western Michigan University, which attracts students from all around the world. The county's vibrant downtown area offers a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Kalamazoo County's rich historical heritage, combined with its modern amenities, makes it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - Kalamazoo County is established in the Michigan Territory.
  • 1831 - The first permanent settlement, Bronson (later renamed Kalamazoo), is founded.
  • 1836 - Kalamazoo County becomes part of the newly established state of Michigan.
  • 1838 - The Michigan Central Railroad reaches Kalamazoo, boosting the local economy.
  • 1860 - Kalamazoo College is founded, offering higher education opportunities.
  • 1875 - Kalamazoo becomes known as the "Paper City" due to its thriving paper industry.
  • 1904 - W.E. Upjohn establishes the Upjohn Company (later merged with Pfizer) in Kalamazoo, leading to significant pharmaceutical industry growth.
  • 1970 - The Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States, opens in downtown Kalamazoo.
  • 1998 - Western Michigan University's Broncos win the NCAA Division I-A Football Championship.
  • 2007 - The Kalamazoo River oil spill occurs, resulting in environmental damage and cleanup efforts.