By the late 1820s, Midland was established as a fur trading post of theAmerican Fur Company supervised by the post atSaginaw. Here agents purchased furs fromOjibwe trappers. TheCampau family of Detroit operated an independent trading post at this location in the late 1820s.[8]
Dow Chemical Company was founded in Midland in 1897, and its world headquarters are still located there. Through the influence of a Dow Chemical plant opening inHanda, Aichi, Japan, Midland and Handa have becomesister cities.[9]Dow Corning was also headquartered in Midland.
In 1969, the city unilaterally defined a Midland Urban Growth Area (MUGA), a two-mile territory around the city limits, in an attempt to controlurban sprawl.[10] As the county's only capable drinking water supplier, the city would provide water services to communities outside the MUGA such as the nearby village ofSanford. The city would not provide water services within the MUGA withoutannexation to the city of Midland. This allowed the city to control most of the growth in the county. Since 1991, the policy has since been revised with a series of Urban Cooperation Act Agreements with surrounding townships. Case-by-case redrawings of the MUGA line now allow Midland to sell water to the surrounding townships without annexation.[10]
On May 19, 2020, theSanford Dam andEdenville Dam both failed, prompting an evacuation of 10,000 Midland residents.[11] GovernorGretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, predicting that parts of Midland and Sanford would be covered in nine feet of water within 12–15 hours. She urged residents to seek shelter with family and friends or at emergency shelters. This major "500 year" flooding event occurred just months after the COVID-19 stay at home order went into effect.[12]
The city lies within easternMidland County, with a small portion extending east intoBay County. Most of the city's area is incorporated fromMidland Township. The city is 24 miles (39 km) northwest ofSaginaw and 19 miles (31 km) west ofBay City. Midland, along with Saginaw and Bay City make up theTri-Cities Area, a sub-region ofFlint/Tri-Cities.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 36.3 square miles (94.02 km2), of which 34.4 square miles (89.10 km2) are land and 2.0 square miles (5.18 km2), or 5.41%, are water.[1] TheChippewa River joins theTittabawassee River at the city's downtown. The Tittabawassee is a tributary of theSaginaw River, flowing southeast toSaginaw Bay inLake Huron.
There are more than 35 neighborhoods within the city, each having one or more subdivisions. According to the map, there areeight general 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,[13]which was the city's second business district.[14]
North Side neighborhoods north of downtown, often with a mix of residential areas, parks and schools.[15]
Country Club features upscale houses, large lots with trees, highest walkability and bike scores.[16]
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.[17] Upscale Greystone Woods is located there.[18]
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.[19][20]
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 sq mi; 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 theMichigan Strategic Fund for modernization that will attract businesses with their utilities, logistics and environmental services.[21]
West Main Street Historic district was established in 1979 to preserve and document Midland's historical structures; specifically blocks and lots within the original Midland plat, offering a glimpse into the city's history. A commission reviews and must approve applications for construction, additions, alterations, repairs, moves, excavations, or demolitions of all properties within the district.[22]
the South is the relatively small area south of the Industrial Park, site of a defunct lumber town (Mapleton) and train depot.[23]
Heritage Park is at the Northwood University campus and an attraction featuring the 1874Victorian GothicBradley Home; a brine well and the Herbert Dow Museum which is a replication of the Evens FlourGristmill; and theCarriage House, which contains an operating blacksmith shop and a display of carriages and sleighs, all horse-drawn.[25]
There are noNational orState Parks in Midland City or County; however, Midland City parks number 80+[28] with over 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of park land. Seven are classified asRegional Parks, typically larger than 200 acres; seven are consideredCommunity Parks, normally over 15 acres;Neighborhood Parks number 19, usually from five to ten acres in size, located within residential areas; and the 36Mini-Parks are mostly less than an acre. Other city-owned land includes pathways, undeveloped areas intended for "passive recreation", waterfront areas and protected natural areas.[29]
Walkers, joggers, bikers, and skaters can use thePere Marquette Rail-Trail, a ribbon of asphalt stretching 30 miles (50 km) to the neighboring city ofClare. Midland County's system of natural pathways continues to expand with the recent addition of the Chippewa Trail, which connects to the Pere Marquette trail. The Chippewa Trail ends at theChippewa Nature Center. This has a territory of more than 1,000 acres (400 ha) of deciduous and coniferous woods, rivers, ponds, wetlands (marsh,fen,bog, andswamp) and upland fields.[30]
Midland'sDow Gardens feature 100-acre (40 ha) of flower and vegetable gardens, water features plus anarboretum. These were the original gardens of the Herbert H. Dow homestead and are open for tours. In addition, theAlden B. DowHome and Studio offers tours of this landmark American architect's unique and influential style. Alden B. Dow F.A.I.A designed theGrace A. Dow Memorial Library, Midland's public library named in his mother's honor.[31]
Whiting Forest, home to the longestCanopy Walk 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 long. Visitors can walk the trails, play in the children's playground and enjoy drinks and snacks in the cafe.[32]
Dahlia Hill is a terraced garden and organization near the that annually grows over 3.000Dahlia plants that flower in late summer.[33] TheChippewa Nature Center is a protected wildlife area with miles of trails[34] andthe Tridge is athree-way bridge over theChippewa andTittabawassee Rivers at Chippewassee Park.[35]Other parks include Midland City Forest, Plymouth Park & Fun Zone, Emerson Park, Barstow Woods Park, and Central Park.[36]
As of thecensus[37] of 2020, there were 42,387 people, 18,017 households, and 14,667 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,231.2 inhabitants per square mile (475.4/km2). There were 19,102 housing units at an average density of 555.8 per square mile (214.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.7%White, 2.6%Black, 0.5%Native American, 3.7%Asian, 0.1%Pacific Islander, 0.8% fromother races, and 2.7% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 4.3% of the population.
There were 17,571 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.93.
The median age in the city was 38.0 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
As of thecensus[38] of 2010, there were 41,863 people, 17,506 households, and 10,766 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,242.2 inhabitants per square mile (479.6/km2). There were 18,578 housing units at an average density of 551.3 per square mile (212.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.0%White, 2.0%Black, 0.3%Native American, 3.3%Asian, 0.1%Pacific Islander, 0.5% fromother races, and 1.8% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 2.4% of the population.
There were 17,506 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.5% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.94.
The median age in the city was 38.3 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
As of thecensus[3] of 2000, there were 41,685 people, 16,743 households, and 11,000 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,254.9 inhabitants per square mile (484.5/km2). There were 17,773 housing units at an average density of 535.0 per square mile (206.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.38%White, 1.82%Black, 0.29%Native American, 2.69%Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 0.57% fromother races, and 1.19% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 1.92% of the population.
There were 16,743 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 25.9% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $48,444, and the median income for a family was $64,949. Males had a median income of $53,208 versus $31,098 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $26,818. About 5.5% of families and 8.8% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
The city's major shopping district is located north of town, on Eastman Avenue nearUS-10. There are severalbig-box stores located here, as well as theMidland Mall. Midland's downtown, on Main Street, includes local restaurants, artist co-ops, and local retail.
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.[40]
Midland County Historical Societies 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 ofDow Chemical Company founded in Midland byHerbert 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.[41]
Skaters of all skill levels use Midland's 107,000-square-foot (9,900 m2) Civic Arena, which has twoNHL-sized rinks and one Olympic-sized rink. A BMX track is located in Midland's Stratford park. Winner of a 2005 MichiganCool 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.
Also in the recreation mix are two golf courses, theMidland Community Center (with multiple swimming pools and exercise facilities), the West Midland Family Center, the North Midland Family Center, the Midland Gymnastics Training Center, the Midland Community Tennis Center and the MidlandCurling Center.[citation needed]
In the early 1930s, Alden B. Dow F.A.I.A. introduced modern design to Midland, Michigan and created over 130 structures during his 50-year career. His innovative and dynamic structures initiated an architectural heritage that is unprecedented in the United States. Dow's creative concepts inspired dozens of other architects, including Jackson Hallett A.I.A, Glenn Beach A.I.A., Robert Schwartz A.I.A, and Francis "Red" Warner A.I.A. These gifted architects and more, also created beautifully-crafted Mid-Century Modern structures that are an integral part of the over 400 buildings[42] that dominate Midland.
More than 100 places of worship county-wide represent a variety of denominations and architectural styles, earning Midland the nickname "City of Beautiful Churches".[47] Midland's Volunteer Center recruits upwards of 2,000 volunteers each year, and the United Way of Midland County supports 25 community organizations.
Midland is home to many recreational sporting facilities and organizations. These include the civic ice arena which hosts 2 NHL and one Olympic-sized rinks, a skate park downtown, and the Midland Community Tennis Center and its 32 courts. The tennis center also hosts aUSTA Pro Circuit event and was part of the USTA award to Midland as America's Best Tennis Town 2009.[48]
TheDow Championship was introduced to theLPGA Tour schedule in 2019.[49] This event is hosted at theMidland Country Club annually. The tournament was founded with the vision of building community and accelerating the efforts of the Great Lakes Bay Region and Dow's strategy by building a world-class and unique LPGA Tour event that positively impacts people's lives.[50]
Midland is also host to the following professional sports teams.
Midland uses thecouncil–manager form of government. The council consists of five members elected from geographic wards. Council members serve a two-year term, and the full council is elected during even years. The mayor and the mayorpro tem are chosen from the elected council by a vote of the council, who also appoint the city manager and city attorney, who serve at the pleasure of the council.[51] Federally, Midland is located inMichigan's 8th congressional district, represented byDemocratKristen McDonald Rivet.
Midland Community Television Network is the City of Midland's public, government, and education access cable television channel group.[53]
Midland is the city of license of two FM radio stations serving the Tri-Cities (Saginaw/Bay City/Midland) area.WKQZ ("Z93") is anactive rock station owned byCitadel Broadcasting and broadcasting at 93.3 FM.WUGN is a non-commercial station at 99.7 FM owned byFamily Life Communications, broadcasting adult-contemporary Christian music and teaching.
WMPX (1490 AM) is Midland's "hometown" locally owned radio station, owned by Steel Broadcasting and airing anadult standards ("Timeless Classics") format satellite-fed fromABC Radio. WMPX has an FM simulcast station inBeaverton, Michigan, WMRX (97.7 FM), which airs a small amount of local weekend programming separate from the AM. Other area stations include WEJC (88.3 FM) inWhite Star, Michigan, which airscontemporary Christian music and is affiliated with the Lansing-based "Smile FM" network;WPRJ (101.7 FM) inColeman, Michigan, a Christian CHR station known as "The Fuse"; and country music stationWGDN (103.1 FM) in nearbyGladwin, Michigan.
Midland is also served by radio and television stations from Saginaw, Bay City, Flint, Mount Pleasant, and Houghton Lake.
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.[57]
US 10, a freeway passing the northern edge of Midland, connects withBay City on the east;Clare andLudington (as a two-lane highway) to the west.
In 1967, Dow Chemical attained criticality on a 100 kW nuclearresearch reactor at the Midland facility, primarily as a neutron source and to irradiate samples.[58] The reactor continues to operate as of 2023.[59]
In 1968,Consumers Power (now Consumers Energy) began construction of anuclear power plant in Midland, primarily forDow Chemical Company. The project's budget was $257 million, with completion anticipated in 1972. Extreme construction problems caused years of delays and costs soared. TheThree 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 agas-fired power plant. Transformation of the plant began in 1986 and was completed at a cost of $500 million. TheMidland Cogeneration Venture began producing power in 1991 and that success restored faith in Consumers Power.[60][61] The facility now produces 10% of the power consumption for the lower peninsula of Michigan.[62]