Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
1854 - Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids city, capital of Kent co., Michigan, is finely situated on the rapids of Grand River, 40 miles from its mouth, and 60 miles W. N. W. from Lansing. It is handsomely laid out on the left bank of the river, and has a pleasant and healthy situation, commanding a fine view of the river, and of the Indian mounds on the opposite shore. It is one of the most important and flourishing inland towns of the state, and a place of much activity in trade and manufactures. Large steamboats run daily from this place to Grand Haven, at the mouth of the river, where they connect with the lake steamers; and a smaller boat ascends from the head of the rapids to Lyons, which is about 50 miles distant by water. Salt and gypsum of good quality are found here ; limestone and pine lumber, and other materials for building, are abundant in the vicinity. Nearly 20 manufactories were in operation here in 1861. The river at this place is about 300 yards wide, and falls 18 feet in the course of a mile, producing an amount of hydraulic power that is not surpassed by any in the state. Grand Rapids is the seat of St. Mark's College, established in 1850, and contains 8 or 10 churches, 2 newspaper offices, and several seminaries. Settled in 1833, and incorporated in 1850. Population in 1853, about 6000.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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