Burton Heights, Michigan facts for kids

Burton Heights, Michigan was once a small community, like a tiny village, located in Paris Township, Michigan, United States. It was first settled in 1833. Later, in 1910, this area became a part of the larger city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What Was Burton Heights?

Burton Heights started as a small settlement in 1833. It was not a big city, but rather a quiet place where people lived and worked. It was located within Paris Township, Michigan. Think of a township as a local government area, often including both rural and smaller populated places.

When Did Burton Heights Become Part of Grand Rapids?

Burton Heights remained a separate community for many years. However, in 1910, a big change happened. The growing city of Grand Rapids, Michigan decided to expand its borders. This process is called annexation. When a city annexes an area, it means that area officially becomes part of the city. So, Burton Heights joined Grand Rapids in 1910.

Why Do Cities Annex Areas?

Cities often annex nearby areas for several reasons. One common reason is to grow bigger and include more people. This can help the city get more resources and provide services like water, police, and fire protection to more residents. It also helps with city planning and development. For Burton Heights, becoming part of Grand Rapids meant it would share in the growth and services of the larger city.