THE NAMING OF KALAMAZOO
"Kalamazoo" was originally a Native American name although its exact origin hasn't been
pinpointed. Some say it means "the mirage of reflecting river," while others say it means
bubbling or boiling water. Intrigued by the name, many poets, authors and songwriters have
penned Kalamazoo into their works, the most notable of which may be Glenn Miller's I've
Got a Gal in Kalamazoo. In the early 1900s, three ships were also
christened Kalamazoo. Historically, the city has been referred to by many names. It's been
called "The Paper City," for its many paper and cardboard mills; "The
Celery City," after the crop once grown in the muck fields north, south,
and east of town; and "The Mall City," after construction of the first
outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States in 1959. The
fertile soil on which Kalamazoo is built has led the area to most recently
be called the "Bedding Plant Capital of the World," as the county is home
to the largest bedding plant cooperative in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands
of plants, many varieties of which are displayed throughout the county's
parks and boulevards, are sold each year to home gardeners and landscapers
nationwide. Kalamazoo was once the manufacturing domain for Checker cabs, Gibson guitars,
Kalamazoo stoves, Shakespeare fishing rods and reels, and the Roamer
automobile. Parchment paper, made from vegetable byproducts, gave the
city of Parchment in Kalamazoo County its name.
The earliest residents of the area were the "Moundbuilders," an early race of Native Americans
that subsisted on farming. A number of earthen mounds attributed to these people still exist
in the area; the most prominent one can be found in downtown Kalamazoo's Bronson Park.
The park's notable features include an Indian mound on its south side; a fountain designed by
Alfonso Iannelli. "The Children May Safely Play" by Kirk Newman, in the west reflecting pool.
The park lost many tall, old trees when it was ravaged by a 1980
killer tornado that swept through downtown Kalamazoo.(Video)
Experts feel that other Native Americans who later traveled down from the north probably exterminated
the Moundbuilders. The earliest written records tell of the Sioux frequently
occupying the
region followed by the Mascoutin and the Miami. But by the time the white settlers arrived in
the area that was to become Kalamazoo County, the land was occupied by the Potawatomi Tribe,
a branch of the greater Algonquin people.
In 1680, the first white men journeyed through southern Michigan passing through Prairie Ronde
and Climax. Traders occasionally did business in the county more than a century later in 1795.
The Treaty of 1795 opened the Northwest Territory for settlement also setting aside a large
portion of what was to be Kalamazoo County for a Reservation known as "Match-e-be-nash-e-wish."
This may have been the chief gathering place of the Pottawatomi Indians. The Treaty of 1821,
known as the "Chicago Treaty" opened this plot of land to white settlers and became the basis
for many of the county's land titles. In 1827 the Indian reservation was consolidated in the
southern end of Kalamazoo County and the northern part of St. Joseph County. Another treaty
with the Native Americans in 1833 arranged the exchange of five million acres of their land for
$40,000 in trinkets and trappings. The enforcement of the treaty in 1840 required the relocation
of Kalamazoo's Native Americans across the Mississippi River.
According to Dr. Willis Dunbar's "Kalamazoo and How it Grew", the first white resident of the
area was probably a British fur trader named Burrell who in 1795 spent the winter at his trading
post near what is now Riverside Cemetery. A Frenchman named Numaiville erected the first
permanent trading post in 1823. Rix Robinson took over the post and operated it until 1837.
The first white settler of the county was a man named Bazel Harrison, cousin of U.S. President
William Henry Harrison. Harrison traveled to Kalamazoo County in late 1828 and built his home
on the shores of a small lake 3 miles northwest of what is now Schoolcraft.
(Harrison is said to be the person James Fennimore Cooper had in mind when he created the
character Ben Boden in his famous novel, "The Oak Opening"). Other settlers followed quickly
and by 1830 over 100 families had settled in the Prairie Ronde area. Within a year, all of the
county's eight prairies had been settled.
In 1829 Titus Bronson built the first cabin within the modern city limits on Arcadia Creek,
west of the present Westnedge Avenue. A year later he replaced it with a permanent cabin on
the present site of Bronson Park. The county itself was organized by an act of the territorial
legislature and approved by the governor on July 3, 1830. The town of Bronson was officially
designated the county seat on May 1, 1831. Five years later an influential group of men in town,
dismayed by the apparent eccentricities of Titus Bronson, (he was accused,
tried, and convicted of stealing a cherry tree) had the name of the town changed to
"Kalamazoo."
Lucius Lyon, a land speculator, who later became one of Michigan's first U.S. Senators at
statehood, founded the village of Schoolcraft. In 1830, John Vickers built the county's first
gristmill in the Prairie Ronde area. Within the same year he sold it and built another 20 miles
away. The village that grew around the newest mill came to be called Vicksburg.
TRANSPORATION
In 1800 the waterways and the Indian trails were the only routes a traveler in the county could
follow. Settlers constructed the first primitive roads after 1830, the main one being the
Territorial Road. This ran from Detroit to St. Joseph and bisected the county. The first plank
roads were built around 1845 with the most important one stretching from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.
Although these roads aided transportation, travel on them could be slow and sometimes treacherous.
The railroads soon became a faster and safer means of transportation. The Michigan Central line
first spanned the territory between Detroit and Kalamazoo in 1846 and its link to Chicago was
completed in 1852. By 1905 at least six railroads connected Kalamazoo with the rest of the
continent. By that time, however, the importance of the railways began to fade. The short-lived
interurban systems were attracting short distance passengers and freight shippers.
In the first quarter of the twentieth century, the development of gasoline powered vehicles and
hard-surfaced roads offered the residents of the county improved transportation possibilities.
Presently two major roads in the county are Interstate 94 and U.S. 131, both of them limited
access expressways. The county also has four airlines serving its needs.
INDUSTRY
Since the early days of white settlement, Kalamazoo County has always supported a strong farming
economy. Industry has also been a strong force in the county's economic development. As early
as 1850 an iron furnace to smelt bog ore was founded in the county. After the Civil War, paper
manufacturers began setting up shop in the Kalamazoo River Valley and in 1885, a physician from
Hastings, Michigan, invented a pill making machine and developed the first readily dissolvable
pill. William Erastus Upjohn moved to Kalamazoo to seek his business future and started the
Upjohn Pill and Granule Company (later Pharmacia & Upjohn and now Pfizer), one of the world's leading pharmaceutical
firms, was founded. The many other new and diversified industries attracted more workers and
families to Kalamazoo County.
For further information on the history of Kalamazoo County and its communities, the book
"Kalamazoo and How it Grew" by Willis F. Dunbar, Western Michigan University, 1959, is very
helpful.
Most of the county's early white settlers were fur traders from England or New York. The
remainder came from Pennsylvania and Maryland. After 1845 the number of foreign immigrants
increased rapidly especially with the coming of the Hollanders in 1850. The growth rate of
the county's population reached its height between 1845 and 1860 when almost 8,000 newcomers
settled here. That growth rate was not exceeded for 50 years when between 1904 and 1920 the
population grew to 214,000, quite an increase over the 1860 figure. Increased immigration,
better transportation, and the appearance of diversified industries all played a role in
Kalamazoo County's growth.
CULTURE & EDUCATION
As the size of Kalamazoo County grew, so did the variety of social and cultural activities.
The Kalamazoo Gazette, the county's earliest newspaper, is one of the state's oldest. Many
other papers were published here in the early years, including the Kalamazoo Telegraph
(1844-1916).
The county's educational facilities have always been a source of pride for residents. The
first public high school was built in 1859 and in April 1833, the territorial governor signed
legislation authorizing a charter for the Michigan and Huron Institute. Its first building
was erected in 1836 on Cedar Street between Park and Westnedge and over the years, the Institute
evolved into the well-respected Kalamazoo College. At present the county boasts four institutions
of higher learning - Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community
College and Davenport University. Branches of other colleges are now also present in the
Kalamazoo area.
The area's cities, Kalamazoo and Marshall in particular have many areas
designated as historic districts. Notable examples of Gothic, Italianate,
Greek Revival, Sullivanesque, Queen Anne, Art
Deco and other architectural styles accent their stately old avenues,
providing a glimpse of restored grandeur from the previous century. Frank
Lloyd Wright also found Kalamazoo quite right for his "Usonian"style of
homes, built here during the late 1940s. Many of his designs are found in
and around Kalamazoo.
Historic and Interesting places in or near Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Mall -- the first outdoor pedestrian shopping
mall in the United States was begun with the closing of Burdick Street to
auto traffic in 1959. The four block long mall, stretching from Lovell
Street on the South to Eleanor Street on the north, has been restyled to
match the attributes of the Arcadia Commons development, where the new
Kalamazoo Public Museum anchors the north end of the mall. In 1999, however,
two blocks of the mall were modified to accommodate auto traffic after a period
of political debates on the issue.
- Bronson Park -- Kalamazoo's traditional downtown
centerpiece is Bronson Park, named for the community's founder, Titus
Bronson. The park's notable features include
- an Indian mound on its south side believed to be a remnant of the mound-building Hopewell Indians, who lived in this area centuries ago,
- a fountain built with WPA funds designed and supervised by Alfonso Iannelli,
- and a sculpture "The Children May Safely Play" by Kirk Newman, in the west reflecting pool.
The park lost many tall, old trees when it was ravaged by a 1980 killer tornado that swept through downtown Kalamazoo.
Abraham Lincoln made his only public speech in Michigan here; a historic marker honors the event.
- Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital Water Tower --
Off Oakland Drive north of Howard Street is the 175-foot tall landmark on
the hilltop campus of the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. The
water tanks in the 1895 Queen Anne style tower are no longer in use.
- Stuart Avenue, South Street and Vine Historic Districts
-- Stately old houses line the grand streets of these neighborhoods,
giving passerby a glimpse of restored grandeur from the previous century.
The South Street district is west of South Westnedge Avenue; the Stuart
Avenue district is in the area of the West Kalamazoo Avenue and Stuart Avenue
intersection.
- Frank Lloyd Wright homes -- Parkwyn Village, at Taliesin
Drive and Parkwyn drive in southwest Kalamazoo, and the 11000 block of
Hawthorne south of Galesburg. Designed as a cooperative neighborhood by
famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1940s, Parkwyn Village
contains examples of Wright;s Usonian style of home. More Wright homes
are found in a rural setting south of the city of Galesburg.
- Kalamazoo City Hall -- An acclaimed 1931 example of Art
Deco style, City Hall at 241 W. South Street has a three story, skylit
atrium. Visitors are welcome.
- Underground Railway Home -- On Cass Street east of U.S.
131 in Schoolcraft. Built in 1835 by the county's first doctor, Nathan
Thomas, this house once was a link in the network of safe houses that hid
former slaves. It's open for tours by appointment only. Call the
Schoolcraft Historical Society at (269) 679-4689 for more information.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know?
Kalamazoo County was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Dr. Nathan Thomas� Underground Railroad House in Schoolcraft was in operation for twenty years. 1,000 to 1,500 escaping slaves were given food, shelter and medical aid.
Did you know?
In 2000, Kalamazoo Valley Museum was voted the top small museum in Michigan by readers of Michigan Living Magazine.
Did you know?
The Ladies Library Association was organized in 1852. It is the oldest women�s club in Michigan and the third oldest in the U.S.
Did you know?
The Ladies Library Association building, built in 1879, was the first to house a women�s club in the nation. This was even prior to the time women could be property owners or vote.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo Public Library was honored as the national Gale Group/Library Journal Library of the Year in 2002.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo is rated one of the best places to live in the U.S. for people who are blind or visually impaired by the American Foundation for the Blind.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo Nature Center was voted the number one nature center in the nation by other nature centers.
Did you know?
Air Zoo is the tenth largest non-government aviation museum in the nation. It is nationally recognized for their restoration efforts and is Smithsonian affiliated.
Did you know?
The Barn Theatre in Augusta is Michigan�s oldest summer stock theatre at 60+ years old. Actors such as Tom Wopat, Melissa Gilbert, Jennifer Garner, Kim Zimmer and Dana Delaney have performed at The Barn.
Did you know?
Western Michigan University is the fourth largest public university in the state.
Did you know?
The Kalamazoo Mall opened on August 19, 1959, as the nation's first downtown pedestrian mall.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo County was the Celery Capital of the World in the early decades of the last century. Celery touted as "fresh as dew from Kalamazoo" was shipped throughout the U.S.
Did you know?
Seventy-five percent of the bedding plants planted in the country are produced in Kalamazoo County.
Did you know?
West Michigan is one of the nation�s largest producer of wines and juices.
Did you know?
The United Kennel Club, the nation's second oldest and second largest all-breed dog registry, was founded in Kalamazoo in 1898.
Did you know?
The familiar old yellow taxicabs were produced in Kalamazoo by the Checker Cab Company until production stopped in 1983.
Did you know?
Thousands became aware of the city with the odd name through the marketing tool of the Kalamazoo Stove Company, a wood burning stove manufacturer. Around the country, thousands chanted, "From Kalamazoo, Direct To You."
Did you know?
Albert M. Todd started producing mint at the young age of 19. By the 20th century, ninety percent of the world's supply of peppermint grew within seventy-five miles of Kalamazoo, and the A.M. Todd Company refined most of it.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium was built in 1929, Michigan's oldest Civic Auditorium. Also, it is ranked number one among its peers from the American Association of Community theatre for community theatres in the country.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo is famous as the home of the United States Tennis Association Boys 18 & 16 Championships for the past sixty years.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo was once the manufacturing domain for Checker cabs, Gibson Guitars, Kalamazoo Stoves, Kalamazoo Corset, Kalamazoo Sled, and Shakespeare fishing rods and reels.
Did you know?
In the late 1800's, Dr. W.E. Upjohn moved to Kalamazoo and created The Upjohn Company, which is now part of Pfizer Corporation, the world's largest pharmaceutical firm.
Did you know?
Greater Kalamazoo United Way has won first place for highest per capita giving in the United States for communities of its size.
Did you know?
There are eight homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Kalamazoo County.
Did you know?
Abraham Lincoln's only visit to Michigan was at Bronson Park in 1856.
Did you know?
Glenn Miller made famous the song "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo." The students at Kalamazoo College decided that we needed a real Gal in Kalamazoo and voted Sara Wooley that Gal. Sara traveled around the country representing Kalamazoo at War Bond Drives and USO Dances during World War II.
Did you know?
Kalamazoo College, founded in 1833, is the oldest private college in the state.
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