Otisco Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otisco Township, Michigan
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Township
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 Otisco Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Otisco Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ionia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 32.0 sq mi (82.9 km2) |
| • Land | 31.6 sq mi (81.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,268 |
| • Density | 70.88/sq mi (27.358/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
48809 (Belding)
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| Area code(s) | 616 |
| FIPS code | 26-61580 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626867 |
| Website | http://www.icea-mi.org/Otisco%20Township.htm |
Otisco Township is a local government area in Ionia County, Michigan. It is part of the U.S. state of Michigan. In 2020, about 2,268 people lived there. The main offices for the township are in a community called Smyrna.
Contents
Exploring Otisco Township's Communities
Otisco Township is home to a few interesting communities. Each has its own unique history and location.
Belding: A City Within the Township
Belding is a city located in the northeast part of Otisco Township. It is an "incorporated city," which means it has its own local government.
Cooks Corners: An Early Settlement Hub
Cooks Corners was one of the first places settled in the township. It is found near where two state highways, M-44 and M-91, meet. This spot is just west of Belding. You can find its exact location at 43°05′18″N 85°15′45″W / 43.08833°N 85.26250°W.
Smyrna: A Community by the River
Smyrna is an unincorporated community. This means it does not have its own separate local government like a city. It is located a few miles southwest of Belding. Smyrna sits near where Seely Creek flows into the Flat River. Its coordinates are 43°03′34″N 85°15′46″W / 43.05944°N 85.26278°W.
A Look at Otisco Township's Past
Otisco Township has a rich history, starting in the early 1800s. Many settlers came here to build new lives.
How Otisco Township Began
The township was officially formed on March 6, 1838. It was created from two larger land areas called "survey townships." Part of it later became Keene Township in 1842. The name "Otisco" comes from a place called Otisco in New York.
Early Settlements: Dickinsonville and Kiddville
The first white settlers arrived in 1836. George W. Dickinson and Thomas Cornell built a saw mill where Dickinson Creek meets the Flat River. This area became known as Dicksonsonville.
In 1838, a post office opened here, named "Otisco." Later, in 1845, James M. Kidd bought the mill. He planned the village as Kiddville. A post office with the name "Kiddville" opened in 1855 but closed in 1894.
The Importance of Cook's Corners
Cook's Corners was another very important early settlement. In 1829, Rufus R. Cook explored the area. He returned with his family in 1837. The post office from Dicksonville moved to Cooks Corners in 1839. Rufus Cook became the first postmaster there.
He built a popular tavern in 1846 and a general store in 1850. The tavern was a stop for stagecoaches traveling between Ionia and Greenville. Cook officially named the village Cooks Corners in May 1856.
German Immigrants and Community Growth
Many German immigrants settled in the southern part of the township. They built a Roman Catholic church in 1850. A larger church was built in 1872 as the community grew.
The Story of Smyrna and Mount Vernon
Munson Seely was an early settler near what is now Smyrna. He moved away, but Seely Creek still carries his name. Calvin Smith settled there in 1843. George Dickson, looking to expand his business, bought land to build a gristmill.
In 1848, Dr. Wilbur Fisher helped set up a post office. He chose the name "Smyrna" to make sure it was a unique name. In 1853, Dickson planned the village as Mount Vernon. He named it after Mount Vernon, Virginia, the home of George Washington. Even though the village was called Mount Vernon, the post office always kept the name Smyrna.
Understanding Otisco Township's Geography
Otisco Township covers a certain amount of land and water. This helps us understand its physical size.
The United States Census Bureau states that the township has a total area of about 32.0 square miles (82.9 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 31.6 square miles (81.8 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 0.4 square miles (1.1 square kilometers) is water.
Otisco Township's Population and People
Learning about the people who live in Otisco Township helps us understand the community.
As of the 2000 census, there were 2,243 people living in the township. Most residents were White. About 30.5% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age was 34 years. This means half the people were younger than 34 and half were older.
Notable People from Otisco Township
Some important people have come from Otisco Township.
- Allen B. Morse: He was born in Otisco Township. He became a United States diplomat, a judge in Michigan, and a politician.
