Norton Shores, Michigan

Muskegon County

26-59140

Norton Shores is a city in Muskegon County, Michigan. In 2000 it had 22,527 inhabitants.

Overview

The city lies on the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon County. Its territory covers an area of 63.4 km ², and next to the Hoffmaster State Park also includes the water areas of the Mona Lake and Black Lake. Norton Shores can be described as a suburban environment, trade, commercial and industrial development have an approximately equal proportions. In addition, most building applications were made ​​in the County for the construction of residential buildings in the city. Among the educational institutions can be found, for example, the Mona Shores Public Schools, the Muskegon Community College, Baker College and Grand Valley State University.

Population

In the census in 2000 had 22,527 inhabitants Norton Shores. Almost 95 % of them were white and almost two percent of African- Americans. The proportion of the remaining census ethnic groups was less than one percent. The per capita income at 22,713 dollars. Slightly more than 5 % of the population lived below the poverty line.

History

For a long time inhabit only the Chippewa, Potawatomi and Ottawa the forests of western Michigan. When the first settlers reached the area, they used the freely held by the Indian clearings for cultivation of crops.

Was organized by the area now Norton Shores in 1845 by settlers from the village of Mill Point (now Spring Lake ) as part of Norton Township. The township was named after Colonel Amos Norton, a Canadian patriot who was involved in the rebellions of 1837.

Norton Township was a part of Ottawa County and included not only the present territory of Norton Shores and the areas of the townships of Fruitport and Sullivan. In 1855 the Spring Lake Township was spun off as part of the Ottawa County from the area of ​​Norton Township. 1859 and Norton Township was separated from Ottawa County and was part of Muskegon County. The population grew over the following 5 years, from just under 200 to 229

1847, the first small sawmill Norton Township was built. She lay at the head of Black Lake (now Mona Lake ) and was known under the name of Robinson 's Mill. 1850 came Ira Porter at the Mona Lake and operated the sawmill Porter Sawmill and a small orchard.

One of the largest orchards in Norton Township was operated by GN Cobb, who since 1869 for 15 years for operation beyond a factory for production of boxes and crates. After the closure of sawmills and the box factory of fruit growing was a lucrative trade for the inhabitants of the area. The fruit, usually berries were picked up by boats that were leaving the shores of the lake and the filled boxes of fruit picked up from the lands of the orchards. After collection, the fruit was transported to Lake Michigan and loaded onto large steamships with the aim Chicago.

The self-government of the place goes back to an initiative of Norton Township Volunteer Fire Department, so the volunteer fire department of Norton Township, and the local congregation. At her suggestion, a municipal code was designed, which entered into force on 16 April 1968.