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Eaton Rapids, Michigan
Population: 5,000
Located in Eaton County
Preserving the past while planning for the future -- that is what makes Eaton Rapids the perfect place for business, family and just enjoying life. Whether you like fishing trips, trips to the river, the park or the past, Eaton Rapids understands relaxation. You might say, we have a history of helping people relax and feel better, dating back to our famous mineral springs and baths of the 1870's and 80's. Our Main Street buildings are being restored to their 1890 facades while the beautiful Victorian homes on "River St." gives a pleasing picture of what walking down this street 100 years ago would have been like. We boast 5 parks, 5 ball diamonds, a lovely river walk and 2 golf courses. If you are planning a trip to the area you must see The Old English Inn, a European-style country inn with fine dining, an authentic English pub, gardens, riverside nature trails and swimming pool. It is a lovely estate with overnight guest rooms and cottages.
In 1947 a national magazine called Eaton Rapids "a classic example of the American small town." We think that description still applies, thanks to our tree-lined streets, gracious older homes, attractive new homes, scenic river views, and most of all, our genuinely friendly people. History of Eaton Rapids
The original plat of the Village of Eaton Rapids was laid out July 19, 1838. The first settlers, Amos Spicer, Pierpont Spicer, Christopher Darling, and Samuel Hamlin, erected a grist mill in 1838. Later that year, a blacksmith shop and a general store were constructed by Benjamin Knight. A post office was established, giving the village its initial name of "Eaton." The year of 1842, saw the construction of a dam across the Grand River and the harnessing of the river for power. Rapid development of the community followed with the establishment of furniture and cabinet factories, three asheries, a carding shop for wool processing and cloth dressing, several foundries, machine shops, flouring mills, etc.
Eaton Rapids also became well known for its mineral baths and the cures which the mineral waters supposedly induced. Several hotels were established which included the baths and boasted patients from throughout the United States. One hotel - the Frost House - attracted 300 patients annually from Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, New York, and Pennsylvania. By 1880, no fewer than twelve hotels had been constructed offering medicinal water baths.
On October 14, 1859, the Eaton County Board of Supervisors officially incorporated the "Village of Eaton Rapids." It was not until 1871, that the Michigan Legislature incorporated the village. It was incorporated as a city in 1881, and re-incorporated as a city in 1905. In 1914, Eaton Rapids became a home rule city.
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