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Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Furniture City"

Once the furniture manufacturing capital of America, Grand Rapids reinvented itself as a craft beer mecca, medical hub, and the hometown of President Gerald Ford.

Founded 1826 | Population 200,808 | Peak 200,808 (2024) | County Kent County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Grand Rapids, Michigan

1826Settlement at the Rapids: Louis Campau established a trading post at the rapids of the Grand River, founding what became Grand Rapids.

1876Furniture Capital: Grand Rapids became the furniture manufacturing capital of America, with dozens of factories producing fine wood furniture.

1913Great Flood: The Grand River flooded catastrophically, inundating downtown and causing massive damage.

1945Gerald Ford's Hometown: Gerald Ford represented Grand Rapids in Congress from 1949 to 1973 before becoming the 38th President. His presidential museum is downtown.

2009Beer City USA: Grand Rapids began its rise as a craft beer destination, eventually being voted 'Beer City USA' with over 80 breweries in the metro.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1826 Government

Louis Campau establishes trading post

1850 Government

City incorporated

1876 Industry

Becomes furniture capital of America

1913 Disaster

Grand River flood devastates downtown

1949 Politics

Gerald Ford elected to Congress

1981 Culture

Gerald Ford Presidential Museum opens

2004 Culture

ArtPrize international art competition begins

2009 Culture

Voted Beer City USA

Did You Know?

Grand Rapids has over 80 craft breweries in the metro area, earning it the title 'Beer City USA' in multiple national polls.

Gerald Ford's presidential museum sits on the banks of the Grand River downtown — he and Betty Ford are both buried on the grounds.

The city's ArtPrize festival is the world's largest open art competition, with a $500,000 grand prize.

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