Historical Markers in
Ottawa County, Michigan

1869 Vriesland Reformed Church / 1869 Vriesland Reformed Church Building Akeley Building Aloys Bilz House Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church Central Park Central School Charles W. Westover Coast Guard Cutters on the Great Lakes De Zwaan Windmill Depot Transportation Museum DeWitt School Dutch in Michigan Escanaba Memorial Park Escanaba Park First Reformed Church First Reformed Church First United Methodist Church Grace Episcopal Church / Grace Episcopal Church Buildings Grand Haven Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Grand Trunk Depot Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 Highland Park Association Holland City Hall and Firehouse No. 2 Holland Harbor / Holland Harbor Lighthouse Holland Harbor Lighthouse / Holland Harbor Holland Post Office Hope Church Hope College Hopley Yeaton In Memory of the Coast Guard Men and Women Interurban Depot Jenison Museum Khardomah Lodge / Susan Hill Yerkes Knickerbocker Theater Kraker Lake Forest Cemetery Veterans Memorial Life Saving Service Michigan's "Chick Center" Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal New Groningen / Jan Rabbers New Groningen Cemetery / Groningen Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church Ottawa Beach Ottawa County Court House Outpost P. Henry De Pree / P. Henry De Pree House Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive Shipwrecks and the Coast Guard / The Escanaba The Boardwalk The Cappon House / Isaac Cappon The Netherlands Museum The Pump House The Van Raalte Farm Third Reformed Church To The Enlisted Men of the United States Coast Guard Tower Clock U.S. Coast Guard Boat Memorial U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve Van Vleck Hall Veneklasen Brick Company / Veneklasen Brick Warm Friend West Michigan Furniture Company Building Western Theological Seminary Winsor McCay Zeeland Cemetery
Michigan Historical Markers
The Kellogg's company, famous for its breakfast cereals, was founded in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1906. The company's first product was Corn Flakes, which was invented by John Harvey Kellogg and his brother Will Keith Kellogg. The company went on to produce many other popular cereals, including Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes, and Special K.
Michigan random facts

Ottawa County is located in the state of Michigan and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1837. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe tribes, who primarily relied on the land for hunting and fishing. European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in what is now known as Holland, Michigan.

The county's early economy was largely centered around agriculture, with settlers cultivating crops such as wheat and corn. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1830s facilitated trade and transportation, opening up opportunities for economic growth and attracting more settlers to the area. As the population grew, Ottawa County became a key hub for manufacturing and industry, particularly in the furniture, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.

Ottawa County played a significant role in the early development of the automotive industry in Michigan, with Henry Ford opening his first automobile factory in Highland Park, just outside of the county, in the early 1900s. The county's proximity to major waterways, including Lake Michigan and the Grand River, also made it an important transportation and shipping hub.

In recent years, Ottawa County has experienced continued growth and development, with a diversification of industries and population. The county is known for its natural beauty, including its picturesque beaches along Lake Michigan, as well as its commitment to preserving its history and culture. Today, Ottawa County is a thriving community with a strong economy, vibrant cities, and a rich historical heritage.

  • 1831: Ottawa County is established by an act of the Michigan Territorial Legislature.
  • 1836: The county is formally organized, with its first government officials appointed.
  • 1837: The city of Holland is settled by Dutch immigrants, becoming an important cultural and economic center in the county.
  • 1845: Grand Haven is incorporated as a city, serving as a major port on Lake Michigan.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches over 8,000 people.
  • 1860: The county's population grows to more than 22,000 people.
  • 1885: The city of Zeeland is incorporated, founded by Dutch Calvinist separatists.
  • 1901: The county's population reaches over 40,000 people.
  • 1938: The Grand Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse is built, becoming a historic landmark in the county.
  • 1956: The county's population surpasses 100,000 people.
  • 1981: Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is established, leading to the development of numerous parks and natural areas.
  • 2000: The county's population exceeds 238,000 people.
  • 2019: Ottawa County continues to experience steady growth and maintains a strong economy.