Merritt, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merritt, Michigan
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Looking north along Merritt Road toward M-55
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 Merritt, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Merritt, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Missaukee |
| Townships | Butterfield and Enterprise |
| Settled | 1901 |
| Elevation | 1,155 ft (352 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49667
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| Area code(s) | 231 |
| GNIS feature ID | 632136 |
Merritt is a small, unincorporated community in Missaukee County, Michigan. An unincorporated community means it doesn't have its own official local government like a city or a village. Even without its own government, Merritt has its own post office with the 49667 ZIP Code. It's a quiet place, surrounded by beautiful forests and natural areas.
Contents
Where is Merritt?
Merritt is located in the eastern part of Missaukee County. It's centered around Merritt Road and a main highway called M-55. The community is about 15 miles (24 km) east of Lake City.
The Merritt ZIP Code
The 49667 ZIP Code for Merritt covers a large area. This includes parts of Butterfield Township and Enterprise Township. It also reaches into a small part of Aetna Township and even Lake Township in Roscommon County.
Nature Around Merritt
Merritt is surrounded by parts of the Cadillac Forest Management Unit. This is part of the Pere Marquette State Forest. It's also about 25 miles (40 km) east of the city of Cadillac. The Muskegon River flows near Merritt. Other interesting places nearby include the Dead Stream Flooding State Wildlife Management Area, Merritt Speedway, and the Reedsburg Dam.
Local Schools
Students in Merritt attend one of two different school districts. Those living in the western part of the community go to Lake City Area School District. Most other students in the eastern part attend Houghton Lake Community School.
Merritt's History
Merritt began in 1901 when Charles and Elizabeth Merritt arrived. They traveled for three weeks in a covered wagon from Belleville, near Detroit. Other families soon joined them in this rural area.
Naming the Community
In 1908, the community officially received the name Merritt. This happened when a railway line was opened through the area. The region became well-known for its large supply of lumber. Soon, farming also became a very important industry.
Schools and Services
A school district was created in 1920. In 1936, District No. 3 of Butterfield built a high school right in Merritt. The community also got its own fire department in 1955. A new fire station was built along M-55 in 1993.
Old Highways and the Post Office
An old state highway called M-74 used to exist near Merritt from 1919 to 1939. After it was no longer a state highway, it became a local road called North Star Road. This road still connects Merritt to the community of Pioneer.
Merritt got its first post office on November 22, 1910. Charles P. Sherman was the first postmaster. The post office is still open today and is located at 329 South Merritt Road. It has been in its current spot since 1956.
Famous People from Merritt
- Burt Reynolds was a famous actor, director, and producer. He lived part of his childhood in Merritt.
