GRAND RAPIDS, a city, port of entry, and county-seat of Kent co., Mich.; on both sides of the Grand river, and on the Pere Marquette, the Michi gan Central, the Lake Shore and Michi gan Southern, and several other rail roads; 60 miles N. W. of Lansing. There is direct steamboat communication with Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities. It is the second largest city in the State in population and commercial impor tance. Area, 18 square miles.
Business Interests. The Grand river at this point has a fall of 18 feet, sup plying excellent water power for the ex tensive manufacture of school furniture, bicycles, brass goods, flour, brushes, felt, carpet sweepers and refrigerators. The gypsum quarries of Grand Rapids have the largest output in the world. In 1919 there were 3 National banks and several private banking institutions. The ex change at the United States clearing house here amounted to $272,016,000.
Public Interests.—The city has an ex cellent system of streets and electric lighting and waterworks plants, both owned by the city. The noteworthy buildings include the City Hall, St. Ce celia and Peninsular Club Houses, Briggs and Blodgett Blocks, Pythian Temple, County, Federal and Y. M. C.
A. buildings and numerous churches. There are many public schools and the Central High School. Among the chari table institutions are the Michigan State Soldiers' Home, Union Benevolent Home, Masonic Home, and Catholic Home. The city has a splendid system of pleas ure grounds and public parks.
History.—Grand Rapids was settled in 1833 on the site of an Indian village, and incorporated as a city in 1850. Pop. (1910) 112,571; (1920) 137,634.