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History of Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Kalamazoo
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, passed just southeast of the present city of Kalamazoo in late March 1680. The first Europeans to reside in the area were itinerant fur traders in the late 18th and early 19th century. There are records of several traders wintering in the area, and by the 1820s at least one trading post had been established.
During the War of 1812, the British established a smithy and a prison camp in the area.
The 1821 Treaty of Chicago ceded the territory south of the Grand River to the United States federal government. However, the area around present-day Kalamazoo was reserved as the village of Potawatomi Chief Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish. Six years later, as a result of the 1827 Treaty of St. Joseph, the tract that became the city of Kalamazoo was also ceded.
In 1829, Titus Bronson, originally from Connecticut, became the first white settler to build a cabin within the present city limits of Kalamazoo. He platted the town in 1831 and named it the village of Bronson—not to be confused with the much smaller Bronson, Michigan, about fifty miles (80 km) to the south-southeast of Kalamazoo.
Bronson, frequently described as "eccentric" and argumentative, was later run out of town. The village was renamed Kalamazoo in 1836, due in part to Bronson's being fined for stealing a cherry tree. Today, a hospital and a downtown park, among other things, are named for Bronson. Kalamazoo was legally incorporated as a village in 1838 and as a city in 1883.
During the War of 1812, the British established a smithy and a prison camp in the area.
The 1821 Treaty of Chicago ceded the territory south of the Grand River to the United States federal government. However, the area around present-day Kalamazoo was reserved as the village of Potawatomi Chief Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish. Six years later, as a result of the 1827 Treaty of St. Joseph, the tract that became the city of Kalamazoo was also ceded.
In 1829, Titus Bronson, originally from Connecticut, became the first white settler to build a cabin within the present city limits of Kalamazoo. He platted the town in 1831 and named it the village of Bronson—not to be confused with the much smaller Bronson, Michigan, about fifty miles (80 km) to the south-southeast of Kalamazoo.
Bronson, frequently described as "eccentric" and argumentative, was later run out of town. The village was renamed Kalamazoo in 1836, due in part to Bronson's being fined for stealing a cherry tree. Today, a hospital and a downtown park, among other things, are named for Bronson. Kalamazoo was legally incorporated as a village in 1838 and as a city in 1883.
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VINTAGE KALAMAZOO
Kalamazoo Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Advertisement
The Beautiful New Game of The Spider and The Flies
The Fuller Mfg. Co., Makers, Kalamazoo, Mich.
The Ladies' Home Journal
November 1898
The Fuller Mfg. Co., Makers, Kalamazoo, Mich.
The Ladies' Home Journal
November 1898
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Postcard
Third Christian Reformed Church
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Postcard
Main Street, East from Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Postcard
Oakland Drive Entrance, Western Michigan College
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MICHIGAN Humor Mug – Funny Coffee Cup for Donut Lovers & Winter Warriors
Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Kalamazoo: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Kalamazoo through the years.
In 1829, Titus Bronson, originally from Connecticut, became the first white settler to build a cabin within the present city limits of Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo was legally incorporated as a village in 1838
1854 - Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, a township in the central part of Kalamazoo co., Michigan, intersected by the Kalamazoo river. Population, 3231.
Kalamazoo, a thriving town, capital of Kalamazoo co., Michigan, on the left bank of the river of its own name, and on the Central railroad, 140 miles W. from Detroit, and 140 miles E. N. E. from Chicago. It is scarcely eighteen years since the place was first settled ; the population is now (1853) estimated at 4500. It contains a United States land-office, a branch of the university, a number of churches, and 2 newspaper offices. Manufactories of various kinds have recently been established ; plank-roads have been made, and every element of prosperity which nature has given, has been developed with surprising rapidity. The surrounding country is well timbered, and the soil is uniformly productive. The Michigan Asylum for the Insane has recently been located here.
Kalamazoo, a thriving town, capital of Kalamazoo co., Michigan, on the left bank of the river of its own name, and on the Central railroad, 140 miles W. from Detroit, and 140 miles E. N. E. from Chicago. It is scarcely eighteen years since the place was first settled ; the population is now (1853) estimated at 4500. It contains a United States land-office, a branch of the university, a number of churches, and 2 newspaper offices. Manufactories of various kinds have recently been established ; plank-roads have been made, and every element of prosperity which nature has given, has been developed with surprising rapidity. The surrounding country is well timbered, and the soil is uniformly productive. The Michigan Asylum for the Insane has recently been located here.
Kalamazoo was legally incorporated as a city in 1883
1889 - HURLED TO DEATH - An Engine Runs Into a Street Car Killing Six Ladies
A shocking accident occurred about 5:30 o'clock in the evening at the West Main street crossing of the Michigan Central Railroad in Kalamazoo, Mich. A street car containing eight ladies and two gentlemen was crossing the track when a switch engine dashed down upon it from the east side at a high rate of speed, and the driver being unable to get the car out of the way the helpless passengers were hurled to a terrible death. It was but the work of a moment.
The street car was carried almost to Academy street, the pieces flying in all directions, and the human freight being mangled in a frightful manner.
Those in the car were:
MRS. ALEXANDER HADDOCK, MRS. M. E. WATLES, MISS GERTRUDE TILLOTSON, MRS. GEORGE SMILEY, MRS. MIDDLETON, MRS. VAN ANTWERP, MRS. S. A. GIBSON, MRS. JOHATHAN BARNES, MR. L. C. LULL and DR. SUTTON. The first-named six were killed, two being found dead in the cattle guard, one in the creek near by, two on the track and MRS. MIDDLETON died an hour later. She was ...
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The street car was carried almost to Academy street, the pieces flying in all directions, and the human freight being mangled in a frightful manner.
Those in the car were:
MRS. ALEXANDER HADDOCK, MRS. M. E. WATLES, MISS GERTRUDE TILLOTSON, MRS. GEORGE SMILEY, MRS. MIDDLETON, MRS. VAN ANTWERP, MRS. S. A. GIBSON, MRS. JOHATHAN BARNES, MR. L. C. LULL and DR. SUTTON. The first-named six were killed, two being found dead in the cattle guard, one in the creek near by, two on the track and MRS. MIDDLETON died an hour later. She was ...
1895 - Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, a city, capital of Kalamazoo co., Mich., is situated in a beautiful valley, in Kalamazoo township, on a river of the same name, and on the Michigan Central Railroad where it crosses the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad and the Kalamazoo division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, 49 miles S. of Grand Rapids, 68 miles W. of Jackson, and 140 miles E.N.E. of Chicago. Here is the Kalamazoo College (Baptist), which was organized in 1855 and has a library of 3000 volumes. This city contains also 27 churches, a public library, the Michigan Female Seminary, organized in 1866, 2 business colleges, the large and expensive edifice of the state asylum for the insane (with about 1000 inmates), 4 national banks, 2 other banks, and printing-offices which issue 2 daily and 4 weekly newspapers. It has 10 hotels, 2 theatres, the Holly system of water-works, is lighted by gas and electricity, has 80 manufacturing establishments employing 5000 operatives, eight miles of...
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1898 - EXPLOSION DURING A FIRE. FIVE FIREMEN AND A DRAYMAN WERE KILLED AT KALAMAZOO, MICH., LAST NIGHT.
Kalamazoo, Mich., Feb. 26. - Fire broke out in Hall Bros.' laboratory at 10 o'clock this evening.
While the firemen were trying to put out the fire in the second story a terrific explosion took place below, blowing up the entire side of the building. The first explosion was followed by two others. Firemen on the ladders were blown in every direction by the fearful concussion. The flames shot high into the air and it looked for a moment as if there would be an awful conflagration. The crowd was dazed by the explosion. Horses were thrown down and windows in the vicinity shattered.
Work of rescue began at once and the building was left to its doom. Intense excitement prevailed until 1 a.m.
The dead are:
P. G. McHUGH, fireman.
JAMES QUIGLEY, fireman.
GEORGE HOLLIDAY, fireman.
CHARLES WHITING, fireman.
JOHN HASTINGS, drayman.
WILLIAM WAGER, fireman.
The injured are:
L. L. HOLLOWAY, druggist, both legs broken and back broken; injured internally; will die.
ALBERT LATSON,...
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While the firemen were trying to put out the fire in the second story a terrific explosion took place below, blowing up the entire side of the building. The first explosion was followed by two others. Firemen on the ladders were blown in every direction by the fearful concussion. The flames shot high into the air and it looked for a moment as if there would be an awful conflagration. The crowd was dazed by the explosion. Horses were thrown down and windows in the vicinity shattered.
Work of rescue began at once and the building was left to its doom. Intense excitement prevailed until 1 a.m.
The dead are:
P. G. McHUGH, fireman.
JAMES QUIGLEY, fireman.
GEORGE HOLLIDAY, fireman.
CHARLES WHITING, fireman.
JOHN HASTINGS, drayman.
WILLIAM WAGER, fireman.
The injured are:
L. L. HOLLOWAY, druggist, both legs broken and back broken; injured internally; will die.
ALBERT LATSON,...
1902 - Gibson Guitar Corporation founded in Kalamazoo
The company was incorporated as "Gibson Mandolin - Guitar Co., Ltd" on October 11, 1902, by the craftsman Orville Gibson.
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1907 - MET DEATH IN WRECK - LAKE SHORE FIREMAN A. L. WENGER LOSES LIFE
At Kalamazoo - Others Injured -- Train Struck Street Sweeper - Eighteen Cars Piled Up.
Lake Shore Fireman A. L. Wenger was scalded to death in a freight wreck at the Portage street crossing in Kalamazoo at 1:30 o'clock this morning and other men were injured and nineteen cars were piled up.
Engineer Ira J. Miller of the corner of Second and Harrison streets is suffering from the tearing of ligaments in one ankle and the laceration of one finger. He returned home at noon, accompanied by Mrs. Miller, who had hurried to Kalamazoo.
Brakeman Frank Teeters of No. 321 South Prairie street was burned on the hands and head and remained in Borgess Hospital.
Engineman J. W. Null and Fireman Dennis Robbins, both of Elkhart, escaped injury, they being in the head engine, which miraculously escaped damage.
The train was in charge of Conductor Sherman Morrison, who escaped injury. His other brakeman, Mr. Walters, was thrown from his feet, but was not seriously hurt.
The train,...
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Lake Shore Fireman A. L. Wenger was scalded to death in a freight wreck at the Portage street crossing in Kalamazoo at 1:30 o'clock this morning and other men were injured and nineteen cars were piled up.
Engineer Ira J. Miller of the corner of Second and Harrison streets is suffering from the tearing of ligaments in one ankle and the laceration of one finger. He returned home at noon, accompanied by Mrs. Miller, who had hurried to Kalamazoo.
Brakeman Frank Teeters of No. 321 South Prairie street was burned on the hands and head and remained in Borgess Hospital.
Engineman J. W. Null and Fireman Dennis Robbins, both of Elkhart, escaped injury, they being in the head engine, which miraculously escaped damage.
The train was in charge of Conductor Sherman Morrison, who escaped injury. His other brakeman, Mr. Walters, was thrown from his feet, but was not seriously hurt.
The train,...
1907 - TORNADO STRIKES PARK
Kills Man and Three Valuable Race Horses.
Kalamazoo, Mich., June 25. - Three valuable race horses and a man were killed in a tornado which struck Recreation park early today. William Wiedmayer, aged 39, was found dead two hours after the storm had passed. He was killed by coming in contact with a telephone wire. The tornado came up without an instant's warning and lifted a long row of stalls carrying them over the fence.
Kalamazoo, Mich., June 25. - Three valuable race horses and a man were killed in a tornado which struck Recreation park early today. William Wiedmayer, aged 39, was found dead two hours after the storm had passed. He was killed by coming in contact with a telephone wire. The tornado came up without an instant's warning and lifted a long row of stalls carrying them over the fence.
1909 - MILLION DOLLAR FIRE DESTROYED PART OF A CITY. KALAMAZOO, MICH., VISITED BY AWFUL CONFLAGRATION LAST NIGHT - ONE MAN BURNED.
[By Associated Press.]
Kalamazoo, Mich., Dec. 9. - A million dollars worth of property was destroyed and the city was saved from destruction only after an all night fight by the combined forces of firemen from Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek, is the record of the fire that started in a five and ten cent store on Main street at 10:30 last night.
The BURDICK House, the Postal Telegraph and the American Express Co's. offices and a number of smaller buildings were destroyed. Three hundred guests of the BURDICK House were driven into the streets and suffered greatly from the intense cold. While the flames were raging in the hotel a man appeared at a window but before the firemen could reach him he had disappeared. It is believed he perished.
Kalamazoo, Mich., Dec. 9. - A million dollars worth of property was destroyed and the city was saved from destruction only after an all night fight by the combined forces of firemen from Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek, is the record of the fire that started in a five and ten cent store on Main street at 10:30 last night.
The BURDICK House, the Postal Telegraph and the American Express Co's. offices and a number of smaller buildings were destroyed. Three hundred guests of the BURDICK House were driven into the streets and suffered greatly from the intense cold. While the flames were raging in the hotel a man appeared at a window but before the firemen could reach him he had disappeared. It is believed he perished.
1910 - SIX PERSONS DEAD. TWENTY-SIX INJURED IN ACCIDENT AT KALAMAZOO. FAST TRAIN CRASHED INTO A LOADED STREET CAR. CONDUCTOR SIGNALED CAR AHEAD AT THE CROSSING AND ENGINE HIT IS SQUARELY - MANY BADLY MANGLED.
Kalamazoo, Mich., Nov. 13. - Six persons are dead and twenty-six injured, four of whom, it is thought will die as the result of a street car on the Kalamazoo City Lines of the Michigan United Railways company being run down last night by a fast westbound express train on the Michigan Central Railroad. All of the dead and injured were passengers on the street car.
The dead:
WARD ABBOTT, twenty-five years old, married; both legs cut off.
WILLIAM F. SCHAFFER, forty-five years old, single. Body severed and burned. Killed instantly.
MISS ELVIRA CRAIG, twenty years old; internal injuries and burns.
GEORGE M. NORMAN, forty-nine years old, tailor. One arm and foot cut off.
THEODORE MOSK, twenty-six years old, paper maker of South Haven, Mich. Head severed from body.
J. F. LANG, thirty-five years old, blacksmith. Killed instantly.
All of the dead except MOSK lived in Kalamazoo.
The injured:
MISS JACOBA VROGENDEWAY, eighteen years old, internally injured and burned.
MISS CORA...
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The dead:
WARD ABBOTT, twenty-five years old, married; both legs cut off.
WILLIAM F. SCHAFFER, forty-five years old, single. Body severed and burned. Killed instantly.
MISS ELVIRA CRAIG, twenty years old; internal injuries and burns.
GEORGE M. NORMAN, forty-nine years old, tailor. One arm and foot cut off.
THEODORE MOSK, twenty-six years old, paper maker of South Haven, Mich. Head severed from body.
J. F. LANG, thirty-five years old, blacksmith. Killed instantly.
All of the dead except MOSK lived in Kalamazoo.
The injured:
MISS JACOBA VROGENDEWAY, eighteen years old, internally injured and burned.
MISS CORA...
1911 - KALAMAZOO Y. M. C. A. BURNS
KALAMAZOO, Mich., Jan. 6. - The Young Men's Christian association building in this city was destroyed by fire last night with a loss estimated at upwards of $160,000, partly covered by insurance. The cause of the fire is not known.
1959 - Kalamazoo Mall opens
The city created the mall in 1959 by closing part of Burdick Street to auto traffic
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Kalamazoo:
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Start your adventure with a visit to this beautiful nature center. It offers miles of hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and interactive displays. It's a perfect place for birdwatching and enjoying the outdoors.
Bell's Brewery: If you're a beer enthusiast, you can't miss Bell's Brewery. They offer tours where you can learn about the beer-making process and enjoy some fantastic craft brews.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Art lovers will appreciate the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. It features a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art pieces.
Gilmore Car Museum: Take a trip back in time at the Gilmore Car Museum. It's one of the largest automobile museums in the U.S., showcasing over 300 classic and vintage cars.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum: This museum offers a fascinating journey through Kalamazoo's history, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and displays on local culture and industry.
Air Zoo...
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Bell's Brewery: If you're a beer enthusiast, you can't miss Bell's Brewery. They offer tours where you can learn about the beer-making process and enjoy some fantastic craft brews.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Art lovers will appreciate the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. It features a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art pieces.
Gilmore Car Museum: Take a trip back in time at the Gilmore Car Museum. It's one of the largest automobile museums in the U.S., showcasing over 300 classic and vintage cars.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum: This museum offers a fascinating journey through Kalamazoo's history, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and displays on local culture and industry.
Air Zoo...
GENEALOGY IN KALAMAZOO
Discover YOUR Roots: Kalamazoo Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about 475 ancestors who were born or died in Kalamazoo.
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Updated: 9/13/2023 8:38:07 PM
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