Community. This one word can describe the city of Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan
. The city’s name itself seems as if it exists in some type of fairytale land. The city of
Mt.
Pleasant is a very community oriented place. The residents of this city are all people with strong feelings, that live and among each other with a common interest. This city has maintained its small town charm even though the world around it is vastly changing. The majority of the residents live in home of their own and the elected city officials are known on a first name basis with everyone. Despite the size of the town, it continues to grow.
Mt.
Pleasant
is both a tourist destination and a college town. The activities do not stop when the students leave though. The city prides itself in saying that it “is the perfect place to raise a family or settle into retirement.”
The residents are very much open to everyone and encourage tourists to come and explore their community.
Mt.
Pleasant
was established in the year 1860, when the voters agreed that they would accept five acres as a donation from David Ward. David Ward was a local lumber baron who owned one hundred and twenty acres of his own in
Isabella
County
. He later sold off more of his land to George and Harvey Morton of
New York
. These men helped to develop the area and helped start the city. The area became a village in 1875, and did not become an official city until 1889. Agriculture and education are two hallmarks of
Mt.
Pleasant
. The community likes to preserve the beauty of the countryside and also the numerous agriculture opportunities that the city has to offer.
Central
Michigan
University
was started in 1892 in downtown
Mt.
Pleasant
.
What started as a small rented room has now grown into a nationally respected university with an annual enrollment of around 27,000 students. The first economic rush in
Mt.
Pleasant
came with the gold rush. The first oil wells were discovered in 1927 and the city is known for its black gold. Since the year of 1930,
Mt.
Pleasant
has been called the Oil Capitol of Michigan. This city continues to keep community a high priority on its list and the residents are proud to say that they live in the small town of
Mt.
Pleasant
.
