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History of Grand Rapids The area known today as the City of Grand Rapids was first settled over 2,000 years ago when the Hopewell Indians, known for their large burial mounds, occupied the Grand River Valley. About 300 years ago, the Ottawa Indians moved into the area and lived in several villages along the river.

Feb 23, 2021 · Today, Grand Rapids is still a world leader in the production of office furniture. Grand Rapids has a history of leadership. In 1881, the country's first hydro-electric plant came to life on the City's west side. Grand Rapids became the first city in the United States to add fluoride to its drinking water in 1945.

Twenty-some years later, Detroit-born Louis Campau, known as the official founder of Grand Rapids, built a trading post, blacksmith shop and cabin on the banks of the Grand River. Grand Rapids became a village in 1838 and a city in 1850. People of Grand Rapids Explore more history by learning about the people of Grand Rapids.

The city of Grand Rapids is named for the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) long local rapids in the Mississippi River, which was the uppermost limit of practical steamboat travel during the late 19th century. Today, those rapids are hidden underneath the dam of the Blandin Paper Mill.

Jul 19, 2012 · The formative period of Grand Rapids' history has now been treated of, and comprises the period extending from 1833 to 1850. A very cool early (1868) image of Grand Rapids with an interactive map can be viewed by clicking this line.