Blair Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blair Township
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Blair Township Water Tower
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Location within Grand Traverse County
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 Blair Township
Location in Michigan
Blair Township
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| County |  Grand Traverse |
| Established | 1867 |
| Named for | Governor Austin Blair |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36.0 sq mi (93.1 km2) |
| • Land | 35.6 sq mi (92.2 km2) |
| • Water | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km2) |
| Elevation | 892 ft (272 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 8,994 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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9,173 |
| • Density | 181.0/sq mi (69.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 231 |
| FIPS code | 26-08880 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1625945 |
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Blair Township is a special kind of local government area called a civil township. It is located in Grand Traverse County, in the state of Michigan. In 2020, about 8,994 people lived here. This was an increase from 8,209 people in 2010.
The township is about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Traverse City. Traverse City is the biggest city in Northern Michigan. Because it's so close, the northern part of Blair Township has many buildings and businesses. This is especially true in areas like Chums Corner and Grawn. The southern part of the township is more rural, with open spaces and farms.
Blair Township is also home to Turtle Creek Stadium. This stadium is where the Traverse City Pit Spitters play. They are a collegiate summer baseball team.
Contents
A Look Back: Blair Township's History
The land where Blair Township is today was once home to Native American tribes. These tribes were part of the Council of Three Fires. This group included the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi peoples.
In 1853, a larger area called Traverse Township was formed. It covered almost all of Grand Traverse County. Then, in April 1867, Blair Township was created from a part of Traverse Township. The township got its name from Austin Blair. He was the Governor of Michigan during the American Civil War.
Exploring Blair Township's Geography
Blair Township covers a total area of about 36 square miles (93.1 km²). Most of this area, about 35.6 square miles (92.2 km²), is land. The rest, about 0.3 square miles (0.9 km²), is water.
The biggest lake in the township is Silver Lake. Blair Township shares this lake with Garfield Township. The Boardman River also flows through the northeast part of the township for a short distance.
Nearby Townships
Blair Township shares its borders with several other townships:
- Garfield Township (to the north)
- East Bay Township (to the northeast)
- Paradise Township (to the southeast)
- Mayfield Township (to the south)
- Grant Township (to the southwest)
- Green Lake Township (to the west)
- Long Lake Township (to the northwest)
Main Roads in Blair Township
Two important highways run through Blair Township:
US 31 goes north-south and east-west through the northwest part of the township. It continues west towards Interlochen. To the north, it goes to Traverse City.
M-37 runs north-south through the township. South of Blair Township, M-37 continues towards Buckley. To the north, it joins with US 31 to Traverse City.
Communities Within Blair Township
Blair Township is home to several communities, including some that were once busy but are now "ghost towns."
Beitner: A Former Lumber Town
Beitner is a ghost town. It was founded in 1878 and had a lumber mill. A train station was built there the same year. Beitner had a post office for a short time, but it closed and reopened before finally closing for good.
Chums Corner: A Busy Intersection
Chums Corner is a census-designated place. This means it's a specific area that the government counts for population. It's where US 31 and M-37 meet.
Grawn: Another Census-Designated Place
Grawn is also a census-designated place. It is located where US 31 meets Silver Lake Road.
Hilltop: A Small Community
Hilltop is an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes or businesses that isn't officially a town or city.
Keystone: A Railroad Stop
Keystone is another ghost town. It started in 1874 as a train station. It also had a post office that moved around a bit before closing.
Monroe Center: The Oldest Settlement
Monroe Center is an unincorporated community. It is located on the border with Green Lake Township. It was founded in 1859, making it the oldest settlement in Blair Township. It had a post office for many years.
Slights: Another Ghost Town
Slights (sometimes spelled Sleights) is a ghost town. It was once a train station south of Traverse City. It also had a post office that opened and closed a few times.
Traverse City: A Nearby Hub
The main part of Traverse City is about 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Blair Township.
Who Lives in Blair Township?
In 2000, there were 6,448 people living in Blair Township. Most of the people were White (94.70%). There were also smaller numbers of African American, Native American, and Asian residents. About 2.48% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many households (39.6%) had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.80 people. The median age in the township was 32 years old. This means half the people were younger than 32, and half were older.
The median income for a household was about $40,125. This is the middle income for all households. About 11.0% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Famous People from Blair Township
- Chasten Buttigieg grew up in Chums Corner. He is known as the husband of United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
