Plainwell, Michigan

49080

Photos courtesy of:
Ken Huisjen

Plainwell is located in the southeast corner of Allegan County at the junction of M-89and US-131. This moderate sized town is supported by paper manufacturing, small businesses and its proximity to Kalamazoo. The downtown area is marked by an old concrete cupola at the central intersection, graced with fresh flowers and situated in front of City Park that borders the Kalamazoo River. A pleasant walk along the river can be found just north across the street, ( M-89), by the railroad tracks, leading to a dam set along side of the paper mill.

Plainwell was first settled in 1831 by Dr. Cyrenius Thompson. He became the first postmaster here in 1833.The town was named after the original township name. It was not officially registered and platted, however, until 1863, after tavern owner Henry Wellover had it done. At that time, the town was known as the "Junction" because of the presence of the tavern, which had been built 10 years earlier. It was officially incorporated as a village in 1869, and later as a city in 1934.

Plainwell, Michigan

If you have comments or suggestions,
please take a minute to write to the InfoMI Help Desk.

Plainwell, Michigan

49080

Back to InfoMI Main Page.