Vicksburg, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vicksburg, Michigan
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Village
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| City of Vicksburg | |
Main Street in 2022
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Location within Kalamazoo County
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 Vicksburg, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Vicksburg, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kalamazoo |
| Townships | Schoolcraft, Brady |
| Incorporated | 1871 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.09 sq mi (8.00 km2) |
| • Land | 2.96 sq mi (7.66 km2) |
| • Water | 0.13 sq mi (0.35 km2) |
| Elevation | 853 ft (260 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,706 |
| • Density | 1,253.72/sq mi (484.11/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
49097
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| Area code(s) | 269 |
| FIPS code | 26-82300 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1615573 |
Vicksburg is a village located in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. In 2020, about 3,706 people lived there. The village is split between two areas: the western part is in Schoolcraft Township, and the eastern part is in Brady Township.
Contents
Vicksburg's Early Days
Vicksburg was named after John Vickers, who first settled in the area in 1831. The village officially became a village in 1871.
A special sign, called a Michigan Registered Historic Site plaque, tells us more about the village's beginnings:
VICKERS' MILL: In 1831, John Vickers built a simple dam over an eight-foot waterfall on Portage Creek. He then built a log mill for grinding grain. This mill is thought to be the very first mill in Kalamazoo County. The dam created a pond that powered the mill and formed the large Sunset Lake. Early settlers built their homes and businesses around this lake. Vickers passed away in 1842. On October 18, 1871, the village was first named Brady, but just one day later, people voted to rename it Vicksburg.
Where is Vicksburg?
Vicksburg is located on the shore of Sunset Lake. According to the United States Census Bureau, the village covers a total area of about 3.15 square miles (8.16 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 3.01 square miles (7.79 square kilometers), is land, and a smaller part, about 0.14 square miles (0.36 square kilometers), is water.
Who Lives in Vicksburg?
The population of Vicksburg has grown over the years. Here's how many people have lived in the village at different times:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 784 | — | |
| 1890 | 921 | 17.5% | |
| 1900 | 972 | 5.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,624 | 67.1% | |
| 1920 | 1,712 | 5.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,735 | 1.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,774 | 2.2% | |
| 1950 | 2,171 | 22.4% | |
| 1960 | 2,224 | 2.4% | |
| 1970 | 2,139 | −3.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,224 | 4.0% | |
| 1990 | 2,216 | −0.4% | |
| 2000 | 2,320 | 4.7% | |
| 2010 | 2,906 | 25.3% | |
| 2020 | 3,706 | 27.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Vicksburg's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 2,906 people living in Vicksburg, making up 1,120 households. About 39.8% of these households had children under 18 living with them. Many households were married couples living together (48.4%).
The average household had about 2.59 people. The average family size was about 3.12 people.
The average age of people in the village was 33 years old. About 28.4% of residents were under 18. About 11.3% of residents were 65 years old or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (49.3%) and females (50.7%).
Learning in Vicksburg
The Vicksburg Community Schools system provides public education for the village and the areas around it. Within Vicksburg, you'll find Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg Middle School, and Sunset Lake Elementary School. There are also two other elementary schools in nearby rural areas.
Fun Things to Do in Vicksburg
Vicksburg hosts several fun events throughout the year:
- Classic Car Show: Every year during the second weekend in June, Vicksburg holds a classic car show. People bring their cool old cars to show them off!
- Annual Summer Festival: The Vicksburg Lions Club has hosted this festival for 37 years at the Vicksburg Recreation Park. It features food, games, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, and live music. This festival starts on the third Thursday in July and lasts until Saturday night.
- Christmas in the Village: This event takes place every December throughout the whole town. It includes family-friendly activities and a parade, ending with a special Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
Vicksburg in the News
On November 14, 1977, and again on November 21, 1977, a writer named Bil Gilbert wrote a long story for Sports Illustrated magazine. He wrote about how high school football affects life in a small town. He chose to write about Vicksburg High School and mentioned many local people and places in his article.
Famous People from Vicksburg
- Joe Gembis, a head football coach at Wayne State University
- William Lucking, an actor
- General Glenn K. Otis, a US Army General
- Leon Roberts, a Major League Baseball outfielder, was born in Vicksburg
- Bill Snyder, a pitcher for the Washington Senators baseball team from 1919 to 1920
- Jim Thurman, a TV writer, director, and producer
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Vicksburg (Míchigan) para niños
