On March 7, 1834, Canton became a Michigan township, which means our community is now 190 years old.
Settlers from New England began arriving in Canton around 1825, when Canton was still part of Plymouth. In its early days, Canton was primarily farmland—and at one point was known as the Sweet Corn Capital of Michigan. Even today, some of Canton's oldest homes and buildings are still standing.
Back in 1850, according to the census, Canton’s population was 1,333. The population slowly grew until the 1970s, when the construction of I-275 caused a population boom, nearing 50,000 in the 1980 census. Today, Canton’s population is growing close to 100,000.
Today, we raise a toast to Canton, a township with a rich and interesting history and a bright future ahead. For more memories, be sure to check out the Canton Historical Museum, contact the Canton Historical Society, or check out one the books listed at the bottom of this blog.
Canton: Then and Now
Bartlett-Travis House, early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the Canton Historical Society.
Salem High School, 1971. Photo courtesy of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
Canton Center School, 1901-1902, now the Canton Historical Museum. Photo courtesy of the Canton Historical Society.
Gunn Family Home, 1885, now Indigo Salon and Day Spa. Photo courtesy of the Canton Historical Society.
Canton High School, 1973. Photo courtesy of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
Sheldon Road off Michigan Avenue, 1913. Photo courtesy of the Canton Historical Society.
Books Exploring Canton's History
Canton Sesquicentennial Commemorative Book – A commemorative book from Canton's 150th birthday celebration in 1984.
Canton Township by Gerald Van Dusen – Canton Historical Society member Gerald Van Dusen traces the history of our community—from the farmers who settled in Canton Township in the first half of the 19th century to the commercial development and housing boom of today.
Cornerstones: A History of Canton Township Families by Diane Follmer Wilson – A local history commissioned by the Canton Historical Society in celebration of the State of Michigan's 150th anniversary.
Ghost Stories from Canton by Virginia Bailey Parker – A compilation of unexplained happenings and sightings in Canton Township.
Michigan's Tenth Largest: A History of the Plymouth-Canton Community School District (1830-1986) by Samuel Hudson – A history of the Plymouth-Canton Community School District from its beginnings in one-room schoolhouses to its growth into one of Michigan's largest districts.
Add a comment to: Happy 190th Birthday, Canton!