The Grand River

The Grand River. . The Grand, Michigan’s longest river, rises from a spring-fed pond near Jackson and flows 270 miles westward before emptying into Lake Michigan., Formed more than 13,000 years ago by melting glaciers of the last Ice Age, the ancient Grand changed its channel three times, first draining south, then shifting to the southwest. Finally, the receding glaciers opened today’s channel west to Lake Michigan., The Grand River Valley has provided sustenance to its inhabitants ever since prehistoric hunters began making their way into the region 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. The river was likewise central to the lives of the later mound builders and to all the native peoples who came to live in the valley., Beginning in the early 1800’s, settlers sought prosperity from the abundant resources of the Grand. They harvested timber from its forested valley; built power canals, mills, and factories along its banks; mined limestone from its bed; and shipped their goods to market on steamboats that ran between the rapids and Grand Haven., Over the years the river was mistreated. Waste was carelessly dumped into the stream, polluting it so badly that it became unsuitable as both a source of drinking water and for recreation., In the 1960’s, Grand Rapids residents once again turned their attention to the river. Working together, government, industries, and concerned citizens launched a clean-up and riverbank beautification project, and restored the Grand to a place of importance in the city’s life.