Grand Legacy

Grand Legacy. , Artist: Edwin Anderson , , Artist Statement: Edwin Anderson is a native of Grand Rapids, MI. This creation is a purposeful piece that encapsulates the rich history of our beloved city, Grand Rapids. This mural aims to portray captivating snapshots of our land's formation, highlighting the diverse groups that have inhabited this area and their deep connection to the spirit of the land and nature. From the multitude of cultures that migrated here, to their invaluable contributions in shaping the development of this region, we acknowledge and appreciate their influence. Futhermore, we recognize the innovative thinkers who established industries , such as fur, furniture, steel, beer, and art , whose impact continues to shape our city's growth. Grand Rapids stands as a testament to their collective efforts, and we tak immense pride in contributing to its ongoing development, cultivating a better place for all residents who call this city home. , , West Wall: , Michigan's ancient history unfolds across 1.8 million years, marked by intermittent ice coverage during the Ice Age. The Wisconsin stage witnessed the formation of the Great Lakes, transforming Michigan's landscape. Around 13,000 years ago, Homo sapiens migrated from Northern Asia to North America, possibly using the Michigan route. The state, then two peninsulas surrounded by vast freshwater seas, housed fascinating creatures like mastodons, mammoths, and giant beavers. The Grand River, Michigan's longest, emerged from a spring-fed pond near Jackson and altered its path thrice due to receding glaciers, finally flowing west into Lake Michigan. These ancient events shaped Michigan's natural beauty and cultural heritage. , , Around 3,000 years ago, during the onset of the Iron Age, an important development took place in the Midwest, the introduction of corn. This significant event occurred during the mid-Woodland period and had a profound impact on the region's culture. The advent of corn cultivation, coupled with the use of clay storage containers, facilitated cultural advancements and led to the growth of a broader society known as the Mound Builders who are referred to as the Hopewell. Although the original name they used for themselves remains unknown, they became known as the Hopewell people because their initial artifacts were discovered on the Ohio farm of a confederate Civil War veteran named M.C. Hopewell. The Mound Builders were a confederation comprising various tribes and operated an extensive trading network. Among the tribes that inhabited the Western Michigan area, including Grand Rapids, were the Goodall . These tribes played a significant role in the Hopewell confederation and contributed to the rich tapestry of culture and commerce that characterized the region during that time. Goodall is a name given to these tribes by American anthropologists, as the original tribal names remain unknown. , , The Ottawa Indians migrated south to Michigan's lower peninsula due to territorial pressures from other tribes and later the French. Within the Grand River Valleys, they formed tribal bands and shared resources. Around 1740, the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians settled in present-day Grand Rapids, calling it Bowting. Skilled in fishing, they organized annual fish feasts, with two men herding sturgeon while others spearfished, providing sustenance for the winter. Agriculture thrived, including corn, cherry and plum trees, cranberry marshes, wild game, sunflowers, squash, pumpkins, maple sugar, and syrup. Displaced by white settlers, they eventually relocated north to a reservation between 1821 and 1859. , , Sponsored by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc