Charlotte, Michigan
Population: 8,389
Located in Eaton County
Charlotte boasts an 1885 Court House in the center square with vintage turn-of-the-century buildings housing a wide variety of downtown businesses. The homes surrounding the downtown section are beautiful old tree lined neighborhoods. To the north of downtown is the newer growth of businesses. The week after Labor Day each year is awaited by area residents to join in the "Frontier Days" celebration. A professional rodeo highlights the event along with crafts, a great parade, musical entertainment and much more. History of Charlotte
The land on which the original village of Charlotte was laid out was purchased from the government by George W. Barnes in 1832. It was through Barne's efforts that the Eaton County seat was located here in 1840. In 1833, Barnes sold his land to Edmund B. Bostwick. Prior to 1835, the village was known simply as "Eaton Centre" because of its location at the geographical center of the county. A letter from Bostwick to his business agent in 1835, however, indicated his preference to name the settlement "Charlotteville" or "'Charlotte" after his newly acquired wife.
The original plat for the "Village of Charlotte"' was laid out in 1836, although it was not received for record until July 7, 1845. On January 7, 1863, the County Board of Supervisors carried out incorporation procedures officially establishing the "Village of Charlotte." The Michigan Legislature made Charlotte a city by granting its charter on March 29, 1871. The first city election was held in April, 1871. In 1962, the City of Charlotte received its home rule charter from the Legislature.
The first hotel in Charlotte, the Eagle Hotel, served as the first county court house and jail from 1839 to 1846. In 1882, the citizens of the county voted to erect a permanent county court house by a majority of 3,000 votes. The foundation was laid in 1883, the cornerstone on July 4. 1883, and it was completed in 1885. The entire building was finished in native black walnut. The entire cost of $70,000 was retired in three years through the use of special assessments on all property in the county.
Early industry was concerned primarily with lumbering enterprises. Several planing mills, stave mills, saw mills, furniture manufacturers, etc, were established in Charlotte. With the advent of later agricultural activities, gristmills, bakeries, and similar interests soon appeared. Other early industries included meat markets, the Dunning and Chappell brick factory, foundries, machine shops, three carriage shops, the A. H. Green paint store, several harness makers, and a candy store.
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