Midland County, Michigan

Midland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 83,629.[2] The county seat is Midland.[3] The county's name is due to its closeness to the geographical Lower Peninsula's geographical center. It was founded in 1831. However, it was not until 1855 that the county was effectively organized.[1]

Midland County
U.S. county
Midland County Courthouse
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°38′N 84°23′W
Country United States
State Michigan
Founded1831, reorganized 1855[1]
SeatMidland
Largest cityMidland
Area
 • Total528 sq mi (1,370 km2)
 • Land516 sq mi (1,340 km2)
 • Water12 sq mi (30 km2)  2.2%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
83,209
 • Density162/sq mi (63/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district4th
Websitewww.co.midland.mi.us

Midland County comprises the Midland, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Saginaw-Midland-Bay City Combined Statistical Area in the Mid/Central Michigan region.

History

Early history
See also: History of Michigan

For many centuries, Midland County was inhabited by Native Americans, and by the time of European contact it was inhabited by the Chippewa Indian Tribe.[4]

19th century

In the year of 1831, Midland County's borders had been set.[5] In 1850, Midland County was officially organized.[5] In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland to the nationwide railroad network.[4] The City of Midland, the county seat, is officially incorporated in 1887, and 3 years later in 1890, Herbert Henry Dow arrives and founds the Dow Chemical Corporation, now one of the largest chemical companies in the world.[4]

Civil War

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from the county enlisted in the Union Army, many in Company B of the 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and Company H of the 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, but some ended up in different regiments.[6] Not all of them came back alive and several were wounded. Many veterans of the war are also buried in the county.[7] There were a total of 5 different Posts, or veteran groups, of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, in Midland County.[8]

Some of the regiments which included men from Midland County are: 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 29th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 16th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 1st Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, and 23rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

20th century

In the 20th Century the county saw significant growth with the entrenchment of the Dow Chemical Corporation and the establishment of major roads, highways, and a few minor airports. However, in the late 20th Century the Pere Marquette Railroad was closed, which cut off passenger train travel from the region.

World War 1

In World War 1, once the US had entered the war in 1917, the Dow Chemical Corporation, based mainly in the city of Midland, was involved with the production of poisonous gases for use during the war, and with the production of ammunition.[9] Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.[10]

World War 2

In World War 2, many men from the county enlisted in the US Military, and several would die. Additionally Dow turned its factories towards supplying the war effort and they would assist in manufacturing explosives, flares, and medicine.[11] There is also a large memorial to veterans from Midland County from this war.

Cold War

During the Cold War, a Army National Guard depot was set up in the city of Midland. In the Vietnam War, Dow and the rest of Midland county were the main suppliers of Napalm used during the conflict.[11] Several men would also die in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

21st century

In the 21st century, the Sons of Union Veterans, the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, founded the U.S. Grant Camp No. 67, which serves the Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City area.[12][13] During the War on Terror, many men from the county enlisted and few died. The Midland County Veterans Memorial was refurbished. The city of Coleman also built a new war memorial. Curiously, none of these memorials reference the service of Midland men in the Civil War.

In May 2020, Midland County residents in parts of the city of Midland, the village of Sanford, Edenville Township, Midland Township, Tittabawassee, Thomas Township, Saginaw Township, Lincoln Township, Homer Township and Dow Chemical were forced to evacuate due to high flooding which was caused by the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams.[14]

Geography
See also: List of parks in Midland County, Michigan

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 528 square miles (1,370 km2), of which 516 square miles (1,340 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (2.2%) is water.[15]

Adjacent counties

Transportation

Highways

Airports

Scheduled airline service is available from MBS International Airport[16] in Freeland, Michigan and Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan.[17] Midland also has a general aviation airport, Jack Barstow Municipal Airport.[18]

Public transportation

There is no regularly scheduled public transportation (bus service). Residents can call in advance to schedule pickup for transport within the county by two government sponsored agencies ("Dial-A-Ride" within the city of Midland and "County Connection" for those outside the city of Midland but still within Midland County) for a nominal fee.[19]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
185065—
18607871,110.8%
18703,285317.4%
18806,893109.8%
189010,65754.6%
190014,43935.5%
191014,005−3.0%
192017,23723.1%
193019,15011.1%
194027,09441.5%
195035,66231.6%
196051,45044.3%
197063,76923.9%
198073,57815.4%
199075,6512.8%
200082,8749.5%
201083,6290.9%
Est. 201883,209[20]−0.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]
1790-1960[22] 1900-1990[23]
1990-2000[24] 2010-2018[2]

As of the census[25] of 2000, there were 82,874 people, 31,769 households, and 22,683 families residing in the county. The population density was 159 people per square mile (61/km²). There were 33,796 housing units at an average density of 65 per square mile (25/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.50% White, 1.05% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.49% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.6% were of German, 11.5% English, 10.2% United States or American, 8.9% Irish and 6.1% Polish ancestry, 96.7% spoke only English, while 1.6% spoke Spanish at home.

There were 31,769 households out of which 34.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county, the population was spread out with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,674, and the median income for a family was $55,483. Males had a median income of $45,656 versus $27,470 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,383. About 5.70% of families and 8.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is the controlling regional body for the Catholic Church.[26]

Politics
Presidential election results
Presidential Elections Results[27]
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2016 55.8% 23,846 36.6% 15,635 7.7% 3,295
2012 57.0% 23,919 41.6% 17,450 1.5% 610
2008 50.8% 22,263 47.3% 20,701 1.9% 834
2004 56.3% 24,369 42.4% 18,355 1.3% 551
2000 56.3% 21,887 41.0% 15,959 2.7% 1,042
1996 46.0% 16,547 42.2% 15,177 11.8% 4,243
1992 41.8% 16,149 34.7% 13,382 23.5% 9,093
1988 59.1% 19,994 39.8% 13,452 1.1% 371
1984 66.1% 21,521 33.1% 10,769 0.8% 262
1980 53.0% 17,828 35.8% 12,019 11.2% 3,763
1976 58.6% 17,631 39.7% 11,959 1.7% 511
1972 61.4% 16,473 35.4% 9,504 3.2% 859
1968 60.6% 14,329 31.4% 7,428 8.0% 1,901
1964 41.7% 9,020 58.1% 12,587 0.2% 48
1960 67.6% 14,235 32.3% 6,815 0.1% 21
1956 74.8% 13,207 25.0% 4,422 0.2% 33
1952 72.1% 10,508 27.1% 3,945 0.8% 117
1948 63.2% 5,811 34.8% 3,204 2.0% 181
1944 65.4% 6,850 34.1% 3,569 0.6% 63
1940 61.7% 6,269 37.8% 3,834 0.5% 54
1936 48.1% 3,829 47.1% 3,751 4.7% 377
1932 50.6% 3,791 47.4% 3,553 1.9% 145
1928 82.3% 4,555 17.4% 964 0.3% 19
1924 79.1% 4,004 12.3% 625 8.6% 434
1920 78.9% 4,115 18.4% 959 2.7% 143
1916 57.8% 2,104 40.0% 1,454 2.2% 81
1912 29.1% 902 21.6% 671 49.3% 1,528
1908 67.0% 1,987 29.5% 875 3.5% 105
1904 70.6% 2,107 25.7% 766 3.7% 110
1900 57.6% 1,784 39.5% 1,221 2.9% 90
1896 48.8% 1,524 48.3% 1,507 2.9% 90
1892 46.2% 1,069 35.2% 815 18.7% 432
1888 49.6% 1,336 42.6% 1,148 7.8% 210
1884 53.4% 1,071 44.0% 883 2.6% 53

Midland County predominantly supports the Republican Party, in contrast to the neighboring counties of Isabella, Saginaw, and Bay, who mainly support the Democratic Party.

Government

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships. Due to funding cuts, the Midland County Sheriff does not have a patrol division. Former patrol officers now serve in the Citizens Assistance Responders (CAR) division and will respond to requests for assistance.[28]

Elected officials

(information as of June 2020)

Board of Commissioners

7 members, elected from districts (7 Republicans)

DistrictCommissionerParty
1Jeanette M. SnyderRepublican
2Mark BoneRepublican
3Steve GlaserRepublican
4Gaye TerwilliegarRepublican
5James GeislerRepublican
6Eric DorrienRepublican
7Scott NoesenRepublican

Communities
U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Midland County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.

Cities

Village

Charter townships

Civil townships

See also

References
  1. "Bibliography on Midland County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/551/Midland-History
  5. http://michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/founding-of-midland/
  6. Michigan and George H. Turner, Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, 1861-1865. (Kalamazoo, Mich.: Ihling bros. & Everard, printers, 1900). Volume 10, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015008495064&view=1up&seq=9
  7. http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/midland/MidlandCountyCWGraves.aspx
  8. https://seekingmichigan.org/about/indexes/civil-war-grand-army-of-the-republic-posts
  9. https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/2014/08/dow_chemical_cos_top-secret_wo.html
  10. https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Friends-bring-World-War-I-items-to-Midland-6935898.php
  11. https://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/the-dow-chemical-company-midland-mi/
  12. https://www.suvcwmi.org/camps/
  13. https://www.suvcwmi.org/camps/camp67.php
  14. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/19/michigan-flooding-midland-gretchen-whitmer-evacuations/5226587002/
  15. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  16. "MBS International Airport".
  17. "Bishop International Airport: Flint, Michigan: Flights & Airport Travel".
  18. Jack Barstow Municipal Airport Archived 2010-09-03 at the Wayback Machine
  19. Dial-A-Ride homepage Archived 2009-02-10 at the Wayback Machine
  20. "American FactFinder". Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  21. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  22. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  23. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  24. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  25. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  26. "Diocese of Saginaw".
  27. http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS
  28. "Midland County Sheriff's Office" Archived 2012-01-04 at the Wayback Machine Midland County website

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