Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce

"Small Town. Natural Wonders. Endless Opportunity."

More Town History

Grand Ledge, the only one in the world, is a warm, friendly community of just over 8,000 located at the junction of M-43 and M-100. Lansing and East Lansing are just minutes east on I-496, and Grand Rapids is an hour west on I-96.

Picturesquely situated on the Grand River, Grand Ledge got its name from the Grand River and the sandstone ledges that tower like sentinels along its banks as it winds along its banks through the city. First settled in the late 1830's, the city received its name and first post office in 1850 and was incorporated in 1871.

The ledges are composed of Eaton Sandstone deposited 250 million years ago. Mostly of quartz grains cemented to iron oxide, they are one of the most geologically significant areas in lower Michigan.

Fitzgerald Park offers nature trails, fish ladder, picnic areas and cross country skiing as does nearby Lincoln Brick Park. Naturalists services are available, rock climbers practice their skills on the sheer sandstone cliffs at Oak Park on the city's north side.

At the turn of the century, the islands and their resorts afforded visitors from all over the state entertainment. Now annual events afford the same opportunity for present day visitors.

THE LEGEND OF THE LEDGE

According to early records the first white man to travel this area by river and write down an account of his travels was Hugh Howard. His journal describes Grand Ledge as having high banks, some pine trees and heavy woods with the finest places possible for making syrup and several small islands.

In the latter part of the nineteenth century, these islands became celebrated as a tourist Mecca and the Seven Islands resort attracted thousands to the area which was otherwise devoid of the beautiful scenery and water of Northern Michigan. An 1880 history gives the following eulogy.

"The principle attraction of the place is its picturesque and beautiful scenery. It is one of those natural parks, of mingled cliff, river and island scenery, so seldom seen, and seems especially designed to win mankind away from the fatigue and cares of everyday life to find in nature's companionship renewed health and vigor of life."

It is doubtful the first Native American inhabitants were attracted to Grand Ledge, which they called Big Rocks, because of "natures companionship" described above. More than likely they came in the Spring to tap the sugar maples and to mine the clay for making pots and other receptacles.

The legendary Chief Okemos, head of the Grand River Valley tribes, was a frequent Grand Ledge visitor in the mid-1800's. Native Americans who migrated to the area in groups of 200 were no doubt mixed strains of Pottawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa. They were peaceful as far as the early settlers were concerned and dug clams in the river, mined coal on the river banks, and hunted for boar, deer, turkey, fox, and bear. They also fished for black bass and to them the area was called Big Rocks.

A charming legend tells about the Seven Islands at Big Rocks and how they were formed. It is said a Native American mother of seven sons decided to give them to the Great Father fearing a rival tribe might capture them. An island sprang up where each son had been dropped in the Grand River.

Grand Ledge was founded in 1848 by Edmund Lamson and his wife. It wasn't long before the area, described as an impenetrable forest, became a bustling community and it wasn't long until its residents took advantage of its natural beauty to attract pleasure seekers. In the 1870's flowing mineral wells were drilled and a local physician expounded on the medicinal qualities of the water. Then came the building of a plank house on the second island below the bridge. A small steamer was added for sight-seeing on the river and the Seven Island Resort era began, bringing people by train service provided by Detroit, Lansing, and Northern Railway.

Located on the first island below the bridge was an animal park with bears and deer. The second island became the centerpiece of the resort activities and hosted a hotel with a square Victorian tower, picnic area, fountain, and a round building dubbed "Mudge's Folly". Its builder and creator, J.S. Mudge, envisioned a mechanical tower with revolving verandah rotating at different speeds. A devastating flood damaged the structure in 1893, and its full potential was never realized. The second and third islands were joined together by means of a causeway and a large pavilion was constructed which served as a ballroom and theatre for first run Vaudeville acts. This building was also damaged in the 1893's flood and was short lived. Also located were a merry-go-round and a bandstand.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth islands were left wild and the seventh was a favorite picnic spot by boaters. As many as 75 boats played the Grand at Grand Ledge and side-wheel river boats steamed up and down the river between the second island and the dam. Our dam was constructed by J.S. Mudge to insure the proper water level for the operation of steamboats.

As many as nine hotels provided accommodations for visitors and the Pere Marquette Railroad offered excursion rates to the Seven Island Resort which, according to early records, was second in popularity only to Petoskey.

With the introduction of the automobile and the popularity it gained as a means of transportation in the early 1900's, the resort era in Grand Ledge lost its foothold.