Midland County

History

Early history

For centuries, the county was home to Native Americans, and Chippewa Indians inhabited the area when the first Europeans made contact.

19th century

In the year of 1831, Midland County's borders had been set. In 1850, Midland County was officially organized. In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland to the nationwide railroad network. 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, today one of the world's largest chemical companies.

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. Not all of them came back alive and several were wounded. Many veterans of the war are also buried in the county. 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.

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.

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. Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.

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. There is also a large memorial to veterans from Midland County from this war.

During the Cold War, an 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. 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. 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.The Township of Jerome also suffered severe damage outside of the Village of Sanford

Geography

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. The distance to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron is less than 40 miles (64 km).

Adjacent counties

Gladwin County (north)

Bay County (east)

Saginaw County (southeast)

Gratiot County (south)

Isabella County (west)

Clare County (northwest)

Primary waterways

Tittabawassee River

Edenville Dam

Wixom Lake

Sanford Dam

Sanford Lake

Sturgeon Creek

Salt River

Tobacco River

Chippewa River

Pine River

Kawkawlin River

Neighborhoods

The city of Midland, Michigan occupies Midland Charter township. The city's incorporated area extends well into Larkin Township, Homer Township and a small portion of Lincoln Township.

There are more than 35 neighborhoods within city of Midland according to the neighborhood map on the city's website. There are eight main areas:

Downtown encompasses the central business district and is a hub for commerce, dining, and cultural activities. The Center City includes the historic "Circle", dating from 1938, which was the city's second business district.

North Side neighborhoods north of downtown, often with a mix of residential areas, parks and schools.

Country Club features upscale houses, large lots with trees, highest walkability and bike scores.

Midland West neighborhoods are known as friendly and peaceful with well-maintained properties. It includes the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers, parks and open spaces for recreation, often with a mix of housing styles and mature trees. Upscale Greystone Woods is located there.

East End refers to the area east of downtown, often characterized by a mix of older residential and commercial spaces. A revitalization of Midtown started in 2018, along with Grove Park and surrounding neighborhoods and formation of the Midtown Midland Neighborhood Association.

Industrial Park was the former location of Dow Chemical's plants along the Bay City Road corridor. In 2018, Dow Michigan Operations Industrial Park (I-Park), was created on the 2,600 acres (1,100 ha; 4.1 mi2; 11 km2) site that serves multiple companies as a logistics, manufacturing and R&D center for approximately 6,000 employees/contractors. While owned by Dow, it is supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund for modernization that will attract businesses with their utilities, logistics and environmental services.

Climate

Midland County has a humid continental climate (Dfb) with hot, rainy summers with cool nights and cold, snowy winters with average highs around freezing.

Parks and gardens

There are no National or State Parks in Midland County, but

Midland City parks number 80+ with over 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of park land. Seven are classified as Regional Parks, typically larger than 200 acres (81 ha); seven are considered Community Parks, normally over 15 acres (6.1 ha); Neighborhood Parks number 19, usually between 5 and 10 acres (2.0 and 4.0 ha) located within residential areas; and the 36 Mini-Parks are mostly less than an acre (0.40 ha). Other city-owned land includes pathways, undeveloped areas intended for "passive recreation", waterfront areas and protected natural areas.

Walkers, joggers, bikers, and skaters can use the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, a ribbon of asphalt stretching 30 miles (50 km) to the neighboring city of Clare. Midland County's system of natural pathways continues to expand with the recent addition of the Chippewa Trail, which intersects with the Pere Marquette trail. The Chippewa Trail ends at the Chippewa Nature Center.

The Chippewa Nature Center is a protected wildlife area with miles of trails within a territory of more than 1,000 acres (400 ha) of deciduous and coniferous woods, rivers, ponds, wetlands (marsh, fen, bog, and swamp) and upland fields.

Midland's Dow Gardens feature 56-acre (23 ha) of flower and vegetable gardens, plus an arboretum. These were the original gardens of the Dow homestead and are open for tours.

The 54-acre (22 ha) Whiting Forest, home to the longest Canopy walkway in the nation, is connected to Dow Gardens with a series of pedestrian bridges and walks. The canopy walk is suspended up to 40 feet above the ground and is 1,400 feet (430 m). Visitors can walk the trails, observe nature and enjoy drinks and snacks in the cafe.

Dahlia Hill is a terraced garden and organization near the Dow Gardens that annually grows over 3,000 Dahlia plants that flower in late summer.

The Tridge is a three-way bridge over the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers at Chippewassee Park. Other parks include Midland City Forest, Plymouth Park Pool & Fun Zone, Emerson Park, Barstow Woods and Central Park.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 83,494. The median age was 42.0 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18 and 19.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.0 males age 18 and over.

The racial makeup of the county was 89.6% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.9% from some other race, and 5.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 3.2% of the population.

56.8% of residents lived in urban areas, while 43.2% lived in rural areas.

There were 34,288 households in the county, of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 52.4% were married-couple households, 16.7% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 23.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 36,867 housing units, of which 7.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 76.6% were owner-occupied and 23.4% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.1% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.7%.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, 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 people/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 county income for a household was $45,674; family, $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

More than 100 places of worship county-wide represent a variety of denominations and architectural styles, once earning Midland the nickname, City of Beautiful Churches.

In the 2020 survey of Midland County, Michigan by Association of Religion Data Archives, there were 87 congregations and 36,998 "adherents" to organized religion.

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

The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan in Saginaw, Michigan is the controlling body for the Episcopal Church.

Midland's Volunteer Center recruits upwards of 2,000 volunteers each year, and the United Way of Midland County supports 25 community organizations.

Economy

Top employers

According to the Midland Daily News, the top employers as of 2021 in Midland County were:

Media

Television stations

Midland Community Television Network (MCTN) is the City of Midland's public, government, and education access cable television channel group. Midland has no local commercial television station but is part of Nielsen's Flint-Saginaw-Bay City-Midland Designated Market Area which is the 66th largest market in the United States for Television Viewers. Saginaw is the home of CBS affiliate WNEM which maintains its studios and offices inside the city though its license is for Bay City, MI. ABC affiliate WJRT maintains its offices and newsrooms in Saginaw while its studios are in its community of license, Flint. Only NBC affiliate WEYI and Christian station WAQP have the City of Saginaw as their city of record but both maintain their facilities outside of the city. Charter Communications operates a cable television network servicing the City of Midland under a franchise agreement.

Newspapers

The Midland Sentinel was founded in 1858, then renamed the Midland Republican in 1881. That weekly newspaper became the Midland Daily News in 1937. Hearst Corporation purchased it in 1979 and as of 2025 it has a circulation of over 5,000 publishing Monday through Friday plus a weekend edition.

The Chemical City Paper began publication as an electronic newspaper in 2022 with goal of "Covering local government, education, business and the arts in Midland". It is founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a nonpartisan viewpoint.

Military

The only military entity in Midland County is the 1460th Transportation Company, Michigan National Guard. The Armory is located at 2847 Airport Road, designed by Alden B. Dow and constructed in the 70s. Few women were in the military at that time, but in 2025 women can serve in every military job. In fall of 2023 work commenced on demolition and construction of a 9,860-square-foot (900 m2) addition of office, storage, learning and support spaces. Remodeling the existing facility created separate male/female shower, changing and toilet areas, classrooms, workout and break room at a cost of $5.1 million.

Arts and culture

Historical markers

There are four recognized Michigan historical markers in the county.

John and Almira Kelly House

Midland County Courthouse

Origins of Salt Industry / State Salt Well No. 1

The Upper Bridge

Sites of interest

Midland has many cultural opportunities in fields ranging from music and theater to science and the arts. The Midland Center for the Arts delivers hands-on exhibits in science, art and technology, at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art. The center also provides two state-of-the-art auditoriums for audiences of 400 to 1500 to enjoy everything from the Midland Symphony Orchestra and Center Stage Theatre, to professional programming through MATRIX: Midland.

Midland County Historical Society's Heritage Park provides an opportunity to explore Midland County's history through a variety of avenues. The Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center houses a research library, gift shop and the interactive Dorothy Dow Arbury Midland County History Gallery, which provides hands on exhibits for exploring Midland County's history. Also located at Heritage Park is the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum, which explores the history and growth of Dow Chemical Company founded in Midland by Herbert H. Dow.

Also located on the campus is the Bradley Home Museum and Carriage House; this 1874 house built by Benjamin F. Bradley allows visitors to see an historic home and furnishings of its time. The Carriage House holds an extensive collection of sleighs and carriages, and it has the largest working blacksmith shop in the Mid-Michigan area.

Winner of a 2005 Michigan Cool Cities grant (a grass-roots, volunteer-based training program to revitalize a downtown area), Downtown Midland offers dining, shopping and entertainment for the whole family.

Architecture

Alden B. Dow, son of Dow Chemical founder Herbert Dow was an influential architect who brought modern design to his home town. During his 50-plus-year career, he designed and built more than 130 structures. His creations were dynamic and innovative, influenced by his study with Frank Lloyd Wright and began an architectural heritage that is unprecedented in the United States. Dow's work inspired numerous architects, including Glenn Beach, Jackson Hallett, Francis "Red" Warner and Robert Schwartz who created over 400 Mid-century modern structures. that dominate Midland. Tours of the Alden Dow House and Studio showcase his unique and influential style. Alden Dow designed the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, Midland's public library named in his mother's honor.

Notable places

Dow Chemical Company headquarters

Dow Corning headquarters

Dow Corning Midland plant

Herbert H. Dow House

Midland Center for the Arts

Midland Civic Arena, a 1,000-seat indoor arena

Pere Marquette Rail-Trail

The Tridge, a three-way pedestrian bridge over the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers.

Sports

The Greater Midland umbrella organization includes the Midland Community Center (with multiple swimming pools and exercise facilities), the Coleman Family Center in Warren Township and the North Family Center in Mills Township. They each offer programs for family, youth, adult and senior fitness and fun using equipment, individual and group sports and recreation.

Greater Midland also has specialized sport facilities including the Midland Gymnastics Training Center, the Midland Curling Center, and the Midland Community Tennis Center, which features 32 courts. The tennis center also hosts a USTA Pro Circuit event and was part of the USTA award to Midland as America's Best Tennis Town 2009.

Traditional golfers have several options available: Currie Municipal Golf Course features East and West courses; Sandy Ridge Golf Course is the newest facility in Midland County; the Midland Country Club is private.

Disc golfers can use the Chippewa Banks Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course located near downtown Midland. It is free to play and open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Ice skaters of all ages can use Midland's 107,000-square-foot (9,900 m2) Civic Arena, which has two NHL-sized rinks and one Olympic-sized rink.

The Midland BMX bicycle track is located in Midland's Stratford Woods park. Track is closed during inclement weather and when wet.

BMX race practices are Tuesdays from 6-8pm; BMX races are Thursdays with registration at 6pm. Closed to the public.

Trilogy Skate Park is a free, 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) facility constructed in 1999 and offers outdoor fun for both skateboards and in-line skates. Located near The Tridge, lighting is available after dark.

Midland Community Stadium hosts high school football, soccer, lacrosse plus track and field meets.

Government and politics

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.

Sheriff

In 2012, Sheriff Jerry Nielsen renamed the Road Patrol Division to the Citizens Assistance Responders Division (CAR). Due to funding cuts, the department no longer had the staff to be proactive and prevent criminal activity. The philosophy changed to respond and provide assistance to citizens.

The Sheriff's Department also operates the 250-bed jail that opened in late 2009. The Sheriff's department redesigned their website in 2006 to provide timely information to citizens and encourage them to submit tips and questions.

Elected officials

Prosecuting Attorney: J. Dee Brooks

Sheriff: Scott Holzinger

County Clerk: Ann Manary

County Treasurer: Cathy Lunsford

Register of Deeds: Jennifer Anway

Drain Commissioner: Joseph Sova

(information as of February 2025)

Board of Commissioners

7 members, elected from districts (6 Republicans, 1 Democrat)

Politics

Midland County is rather conservative for an urban county. It has been a consistent stronghold of the Republican Party, having supported its presidential candidates in every election from 1968 onward and all but twice since 1884. It is one of the few counties where Franklin D. Roosevelt was shut out in all four of his successful campaigns.

Most of Midland County is located in Michigan's 8th congressional district, represented by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet. The rest is located in Michigan's 2nd congressional district, represented by Republican John Moolenaar. Bill G. Schuette is State Representative for Michigan's 95th House of Representatives district. Roger Hauck is State Senator for the Michigan's 34th Senate district.

Communities

Cities

Coleman

Midland (county seat)

Village

Sanford

Charter townships

Larkin Charter Township

Midland Charter Township

Education

Primary and secondary education

The Midland County Educational Service Agency, based in Midland, services the students in the county. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.

Midland County is served by the following regular public school districts:

Bullock Creek School District

Coleman Community Schools

Meridian Public Schools

Midland Public Schools

The county also has the following independent charter districts:

Academic and Career Education Academy

Windover High School

Midland County has the following private schools:

Blessed Sacrament Elementary School (Roman Catholic)

Edenville SDA Elementary School (Seventh-day Adventist)

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran School (WELS)

Midland Christian School (Nonsectarian)

Midland Montessori School (Montessori method)

St. Brigid Catholic School (Roman Catholic)

St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran)

Colleges and universities

Northwood University

Davenport University Midland

Delta College Midland Center

Nearby institutions include:

Saginaw Valley State University

Central Michigan University

Mid Michigan College

Public libraries

The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library serves the city of Midland and most of the townships in Midland County through contract.

The Coleman Area Library serves Coleman, Geneva and Warren Townships and Edenville.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Scheduled airline service is available from MBS International Airport near Freeland and Flint's Bishop International Airport.

The Jack Barstow Municipal Airport, dedicated May 30, 1936, is a general aviation airport operated by the city and available for general aviation aircraft.

There is no regularly scheduled public transportation. Residents can call in advance to schedule pickup or return transport by one government sponsored agency, "Dial-A-Ride", offering transport within the city only. Then there is "County Connection" a private run public transport for those outside the city of Midland but still within Midland County both for a nominal fee. Both also offer reduced fare rides for elderly and youth.

I-75 Between 1961 and 1973, while much of I-75 between Bay City and Grayling was being constructed, US 10 from Bay City to Clare was utilized as "To I-75". The highway skirted the northern side of Midland until 1986 when construction was completed.

US 10, a freeway passing the northern edge of Midland, connects with Bay City on the east; Clare and Ludington (as a two-lane highway) to the west.

Bus. US 10 is a business loop through the downtown.

M-20 connects Midland with Mount Pleasant and Big Rapids to the west.

M-30 runs northerly from nearby Sanford to West Branch.

M-47 links from US 10 east of the city to Saginaw and MBS International Airport

In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland County to the nationwide railroad network. They were acquired by the Pere Marquette Railway in 1899 and sold to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1929 but continued under the Pere Marquette name until 1947 when sold to CSX Transportation. In the 1980s, CSX abandoned unprofitable routes and some former rail corridors were converted to Pere Marquette Rail-Trail.

Utilities

In 1967, Dow Chemical attained criticality on a 100 kW nuclear research reactor at the Midland facility, primarily as a neutron source and to irradiate samples. The reactor continues to operate as of 2023.

In 1968, Consumers Power (now Consumers Energy) began construction of a nuclear power plant in Midland, primarily for Dow Chemical Company. The project's budget was $257 million, with completion anticipated in 1972. Extreme construction problems caused years of delays and costs soared. The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 resulted in a massive change in nuclear regulatory requirements and system redesign. When it was revealed that the containment buildings were settling and foundation cracks were discovered, Dow canceled their contract with Consumers Power, and the project was abandoned in 1984. The $4.1 billion investment nearly bankrupted Consumers Power. However, in 1985, Consumers Power formed a partnership with eight other companies to convert Midland's abandoned nuclear plant into a gas-fired power plant. Transformation of the plant began in 1986 and was completed at a cost of $500 million. The Midland Cogeneration Venture began producing power in 1991 and that success restored faith in Consumers Power. The facility now produces 10% of the power consumption for the lower peninsula of Michigan.

The predominant provider of electricity and natural gas in Midland County is Consumers Energy.

The city of Midland provides sewer and water service to city residents and certain adjoining townships.

Due to brackish water in the aquifers, a 65-mile-long (105 km), 72-inch-diameter (180 cm) underground pipeline and intake structure one mile (1.6 km) offshore was constructed in 1948 to supply water from Lake Huron at White Stone Point, north of Au Gres to water treatment plants in Saginaw and Midland. A second 66-inch-diameter (170 cm) underground pipeline and intake structure two miles (3.2 km) offshore were added by 1996. Together they provide 230 million US gallons (870 million litres) per day. The intakes have screens to eliminate fish and debris, and chlorine is added to kill zebra mussels and bacteria. The Saginaw-Midland Municipal Water Supply Corporation (SMMWSC) operates the pumping system which is owned by the cities of Saginaw and Midland.

Midland's water plant adds chemicals to disinfect and further purify it. The water is tested continuously to meet federal and state standards. The potable water is pumped to water towers and underground facilities for storage until demand requires it. The city is capable of delivering up to 48 million US gallons (180 million litres) each day. There is also a 110 million US gallons (420 million litres) open reservoir on the north side of town for use in an emergency or "flow equalization".

Healthcare

The dominant comprehensive provider of medical care in Midland County is the non-profit MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, affiliated with the University of Michigan and including a 324-bed hospital. Several other entities provide urgent care and family medicine including Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, New Hope Urgent Care of Midland and Midland Express Urgent and Family Care.