Newaygo County, Michigan

Newaygo County, Michigan is a county located in the western part of the United States, in the state of Michigan, and is part of the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon Combined Statistical Area. The county is bordered by Lake County, Michigan to the north, Mecosta County, Michigan to the east, Montcalm County, Michigan to the southeast, Kent County, Michigan to the south, and Oceana County, Michigan to the west. The county seat is White Cloud, Michigan, and the largest city is Fremont, Michigan, which is home to the Fremont Area District Library and the Fremont Public Schools.

Geography

Newaygo County is situated in the western part of Michigan, and its geography is characterized by numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, including the Manistee National Forest and the Pere Marquette River. The county is also home to the Newaygo State Game Area and the Muskegon River, which flows through the county and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The county's terrain is also dotted with numerous townships, including Ashland Township, Barton Township, and Bridgeton Township, which are part of the Newaygo County Road Commission and the Newaygo County Drain Commissioner. The county is also close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, including the Ludington State Game Area and the Pentwater Township.

History

The area that is now Newaygo County was originally inhabited by the Odawa people and the Ojibwe people, who were later displaced by European-American settlers, including French colonists and Dutch colonists. The county was established in 1840 and was named after the Newaygo River, which was named after the Odawa chief Newaygo, who was a leader of the Odawa Nation. The county's early history was marked by the establishment of lumbering and farming industries, which were supported by the construction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and the Pere Marquette Railway. The county was also home to numerous sawmills and gristmills, including the Fremont Sawmill and the Newaygo Gristmill, which were powered by the Muskegon River and the Pere Marquette River.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Newaygo County was 49,491, with a population density of 60.8 people per square mile. The county's population is predominantly White American, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian American, and Hispanic or Latino American residents. The county's largest city, Fremont, Michigan, has a population of over 4,000 people, while the county seat, White Cloud, Michigan, has a population of around 1,400 people. The county is also home to numerous townships, including Garfield Township, Goodwell Township, and Home Township, which are part of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners and the Newaygo County Clerk.

Communities

Newaygo County is home to numerous communities, including the city of Fremont, Michigan, the village of White Cloud, Michigan, and the townships of Ashland Township, Barton Township, and Bridgeton Township. The county is also home to the Newaygo County Airport, which is located in Fremont Township, and the Fremont Area District Library, which serves the city of Fremont, Michigan and surrounding areas. The county is also close to the Muskgeon County community of Muskegon, Michigan, which is home to the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Government

The government of Newaygo County is headed by the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, which is composed of seven members elected by district. The county is also served by the Newaygo County Clerk, the Newaygo County Treasurer, and the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement in the county. The county is also part of the Michigan 2nd congressional district, which is represented by Bill Huizenga, and the Michigan Senate, District 34, which is represented by Jon Bumstead. The county is also home to the Newaygo County Road Commission, which is responsible for maintaining the county's roads and highways, including M-37 and M-82.

Economy

The economy of Newaygo County is diverse and includes industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county is home to numerous manufacturers, including Fremont Company, which produces canned goods and frozen foods, and Gerber Products Company, which produces baby food and other infant care products. The county is also a major producer of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, and is home to numerous farms and dairies, including the Michigan State University Extension and the Newaygo County Farm Bureau. The county's tourism industry is also significant, with numerous attractions, including the Newaygo State Game Area, the Pere Marquette River, and the Muskegon River, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The county is also close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, including the Ludington State Game Area and the Pentwater Township.