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Fremont, Michigan facts for kids

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Fremont, Michigan
Aerial view from the south towards north
Entrance To Branstrom Park
Motto(s): 
"Now And Always - A Fine City, A Great Community"
Newaygo County Michigan Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Fremont Highlighted.svg
Country United States
State Michigan
County Newaygo
Area
 • Total 4.89 sq mi (12.68 km2)
 • Land 3.60 sq mi (9.33 km2)
 • Water 1.29 sq mi (3.35 km2)
Elevation
817 ft (249 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 4,516
 • Density 1,253.75/sq mi (484.14/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
49412-49413
Area code(s) 231
FIPS code 26-30700
GNIS feature ID 0626466

Fremont is a friendly city located in Newaygo County, Michigan, in the United States. In 2020, about 4,516 people called Fremont home.

The History of Fremont

The first people to live in the Fremont area were Native Americans. Later, in 1855, a group of settlers arrived. They were led by a man named Daniel Weaver. His home became the first post office and even the first public school in the area.

How Fremont Got Its Name

In November 1855, the area was officially named Fremont Township. It was named after John C. Frémont. He was a famous explorer of the American West. He also ran for President of the United States as a Republican.

Early Industries and Growth

Daniel Weaver and the other early settlers worked hard. They cleared away thick forests to create farmland. In the early 1870s, many Dutch families moved to Fremont. They came from places like Holland and Muskegon, Michigan. Today, Fremont still celebrates its Dutch heritage with local festivals.

Because of the many tall trees, cutting down timber became a huge industry. A railroad track was soon built to connect Fremont to the national train system. This helped transport the lumber.

Challenges and Rebuilding

The lumber industry slowed down in the 1860s. This was partly because of the American Civil War. In 1871, a big forest fire caused a lot of damage in Fremont. Many lumber mills were destroyed.

Even after the fire, Fremont worked hard to rebuild. The city was even able to send some lumber to help rebuild Chicago. Chicago had also suffered a terrible fire, known as the Great Chicago Fire, in the same year.

Fremont's Location

Fremont is located in Newaygo County, Michigan. The city covers a total area of about 4.72 square miles (12.23 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 3.42 square miles (8.86 square kilometers). The rest, about 1.30 square miles (3.37 square kilometers), is water.

Population Changes Over Time

The number of people living in Fremont has changed quite a bit over the years. Here's a quick look at how the population has grown:

  • 1880: 902 people
  • 1890: 1,097 people
  • 1900: 1,331 people
  • 1910: 2,009 people
  • 1920: 2,180 people
  • 1930: 2,157 people
  • 1940: 2,520 people
  • 1950: 3,056 people
  • 1960: 3,384 people
  • 1970: 3,465 people
  • 1980: 3,672 people
  • 1990: 3,875 people
  • 2000: 4,224 people
  • 2010: 4,081 people
  • 2020: 4,516 people

Fremont's Economy

Fremont is famous for being home to the Gerber Products Company. This company makes baby food! It was originally called the Fremont Canning Company. Because of Gerber, Fremont is known as "The Baby Food Capital of the World."

Every year in July, Fremont hosts the National Baby Food Festival. Over 50,000 people visit the city for this fun event.

Transportation in Fremont

Fremont is connected by several important roads. These include:

  • M-82
  • M-120
  • County Designated Highway B-31
  • County Designated Highway B-35
  • County Designated Highway B-86

Famous People from Fremont

Many interesting people have come from Fremont, Michigan. Some of them include:

  • Lola Blanc: An American singer and model.
  • Theodore I. Fry: He served as the Michigan State Treasurer.
  • Dan Gerber: A well-known American poet.
  • Frank Daniel Gerber: He founded the Fremont Canning Company, which later became the Gerber Products Company.
  • Alex Gorsky: He was the CEO of Johnson & Johnson, a large health company.
  • Bert Zagers: A former professional football player. He played as a running back and defensive back for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fremont (Míchigan) para niños

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