Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIIONEER IIISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

but notwithstanding its many disadvantages it has increased with
a rapidity that has satisfied its most sanguine friends. Its situation, in the center of a fine farming district, is such that it cannot
fail to become a place of considerable commercial importance, and
when its contemplated railroad connections are completed it will
undoubtedly take rank as one of the first cities of the State.
The city is at present composed of three villages, known respectively as the "Upper," "Lower" and "Middle" towns, having a
population of nearly 4,000. The act of incorporation as a city
was obtained in 1859.
The State House, a large two-story frame building, was one of
the first houses commenced in the town, and the first session was
held in it in 1850.
The Grand river at this point furnishes an excellent water
power, which has been partially improved. About one mile
above the city proper is another water power, no advantage of
which has yet been taken.
There are now within the city eleven churches, five hotels, two
flouring mills (turning out 10,000 barrels of flour per year), three
tanneries, two breweries, three saw mills, two sash and blind
factories, three iron foundries and machine shops, two printing
offices, several brick yards, and a large number of mechanic shops.
There are 200,000 pounds of wool purchased here annually, and a
heavy business is carried on in grain and other products. About
a mile from the city there is an extensive quarry of fine building
stone. The city is handsomely laid out, in a high and healthy
location, on gently rolling ground, and already boasts of several
elegant private residences and public buildings. An extensive
system of grading and public improvement is being carried on by
the city government, which, when completed, will add greatly to
the appearance of the place.
Coal of excellent quality has been found in the vicinity, and has
been worked to some extent. It is found in conjunction with fire
clay and kidney iron, similar to the deposits at Jackson, Corunna
and Owosso. The soil in the vicinity is fully equal, in productiveness, to that of any portion of the State, and is especially adapted
to the growth of cereals.
Besides the public buildings, there are at or in the vicinity of
Lansing the "State Reform School," the "Michigan Female College," and the "State Agricultural College," all elegant structures