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Muskegon County

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Article Genealogy
Parent: List of counties in Michigan Hop 4
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Muskegon County
CountyMuskegon County
StateMichigan
Founded1859
SeatMuskegon

Muskegon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan, bordered by Ottawa County to the north, Newaygo County to the east, and Oceana County to the south. The county seat is Muskegon, which is also the largest city in the county, and is situated near Lake Michigan, with nearby cities including Grand Haven and Holland. The county is part of the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon, MI Combined Statistical Area, which also includes Allegan County and Kent County. The area is home to several institutions, including Muskegon Community College and the Baker College.

Geography

Muskegon County is located in western Michigan, with a total area of 1,459 square miles, of which 499 square miles is water, including parts of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. The county is bordered by Ottawa County to the north, Newaygo County to the east, and Oceana County to the south, and is near the cities of Grand Rapids and Ludington. The county's geography is characterized by its location on the Pere Marquette River, which flows into Lake Michigan at Ludington State Game Area, and is also home to the Muskegon River, which flows through the county and into Muskegon Lake. The area is also near the Manistee National Forest and the Pere Marquette State Forest, and is close to the cities of Holland and Zeeland.

History

The area that is now Muskegon County was originally inhabited by the Ottawa and Ojibwe tribes, and was later settled by European-Americans, including French and Dutch colonists, who established trading posts and missions, such as the Mission of St. Francis Xavier at De Pere. The county was officially organized in 1859, and was named after the Muskegon River, which was in turn named after the Ottawa word "Masquigon", meaning "swamp" or "marsh", and is near the site of the Battle of Mackinac Island. The area played an important role in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army, including the 14th Michigan Infantry Regiment, and was also home to several Underground Railroad stops, including the Thomas W. Harvey House in Holland.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Muskegon County was approximately 175,000 people, with a racial makeup that was 79% White, 14% African American, and 2% Asian, and a median household income of around $43,000, with nearby cities including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The county is home to several institutions, including Muskegon Community College and the Baker College, and is near the Western Michigan University and the Grand Valley State University. The area is also home to several festivals and events, including the Michigan Irish Music Festival and the Muskegon Summer Celebration, which are held in cities such as Muskegon and Grand Haven.

Economy

The economy of Muskegon County is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, with nearby cities including Grand Rapids and Holland. The county is home to several major employers, including Mercy Health and the City of Muskegon, and is near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the Muskegon County Airport. The area is also known for its natural resources, including forestry and fishing, with nearby locations including the Manistee National Forest and the Pere Marquette State Forest, and is close to the cities of Ludington and Zeeland.

Government

Muskegon County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is composed of representatives from each of the county's districts, including the City of Muskegon and the City of Norton Shores. The county is also home to several other government agencies, including the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office and the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office, and is near the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. The area is represented in the Michigan State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives by several elected officials, including Jon Bumstead and Terry Sabo, and is part of the United States House of Representatives district represented by Bill Huizenga.

Education

Muskegon County is served by several school districts, including the Muskgeon Public Schools and the Reeths-Puffer Schools, and is home to several institutions of higher education, including Muskegon Community College and the Baker College. The county is also near several other colleges and universities, including Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University, and is close to the Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The area is also home to several libraries, including the Muskgeon Area District Library and the Loutit District Library in Grand Haven.

Category:Michigan counties