Eaton Rapids, Michigan
| Eaton Rapids, Michigan | |
|---|---|
| City | |
 Location of Eaton Rapids, Michigan |
|
| Coordinates: 42°30′24″N 84°39′20″W / 42.50667°N 84.65556°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Eaton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.51 sq mi (9.09 km2) |
| • Land | 3.39 sq mi (8.78 km2) |
| • Water | 0.12 sq mi (0.31 km2) |
| Elevation | 869 ft (265 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 5,214 |
| • Estimate (2014) | 5,220 |
| • Density | 1,538.1/sq mi (593.9/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 48827 |
| Area code(s) | 517 |
| FIPS code | 26-24540 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0625314 |
| Website | http://www.cityofeatonrapids.com/ |
Eaton Rapids is a city in Eaton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,214 at the 2010 census.
The city is located in the south of Eaton Rapids Township, on the boundary with Hamlin Township, though it is politically independent of both townships. Its nickname is the Island City since downtown is an island, with a public park, in the Grand River.
The Potawatomis established a village in the area of what is now Eaton Rapids in about 1774.
The area constituting Eaton Rapids was first settled by Euro-Americans around the year 1835, mainly for the timber and water power in the area. The following year, a sawmill was constructed near Spring Brook in Spicerville that would provide the lumber used to start Eaton Rapids. In 1837, the Old Red Mill was constructed by the mill company and used the power from the stream to grind corn. The mill company later used wood from Spicerville to construct their own sawmill along the Grand River, as well as a wool carding mill.
In 1852, mineral water was first discovered by E.B. Frost, earning Eaton Rapids worldwide fame and the nickname The Saratoga of the West. This water was in huge demand and led to a large influx of people seeking mineral water baths as well as cures from all types of ailment. Fourteen wells were drilled in total, only three of which still remain to this day.
In 1921, John B. Davidson, Sr. came to Eaton Rapids from Philadelphia. He started the only mill in Michigan spinning its own yarn. The Davidson Mill supplied 95% of the wool yarn for the major league baseball, as well as high grade yarns for other applications. After 48 years in business the mill burned in 1969. John B. Davidson served as mayor of Eaton Rapids as well as in both the State House and Senate.
In 1927, Oldsmobile President Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet built Meadowvue, an English Tudor mansion, at which they lived for nine years. Mr. Reuter was also a financier and inventor. The Reuters donated substantial sums to charity.
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