CommunityLink
Sturgis, MI
Welcome"Together We Make It Happen"
Welcome to historic Sturgis, “The Gateway City” to Michigan — a community of people who work together to create an amenable atmosphere conducive to personal and economic growth. The ability to work together for the good of the community is the basis for the Chamber of Commerce’s motto, “Together we make it happen.”
Through the efforts of the concerned, hard-working citizens of Sturgis, a town of cultural significance has been created, with centers for learning, facilities for recreational activities, galleries for artistic expression and an auditorium where names of renown grace the stage. There are lovely lakes, parks and courses used for sports such as fishing, hunting, golfing, tennis and swimming — any activity your heart desires. Sturgis boasts one of Michigan’s finest school systems, top-quality health care, lovely neighborhoods and homes to fit all financial situations.
Sturgis has a fascinating history packed with colorful experiences and unique people. Initially Sturgis was called “Sherman” or “Ivanhoe”; but Lewis Cass, who was surveying the area in 1828, was asked to bring his helpers and come to dinner at the cabin of John and Ardillacy Sturgis. Ardillacy’s biscuits were so delicious and impressed Cass so deeply that, when he later became governor of the Michigan Territory, he persuaded the legislature to change the town’s name to Sturgis.
Sturgis was built along the old Sauk Indian Trail, a path stretching from Chicago to Detroit. It is a path so ancient that it is believed that mastodons traveled upon it. In the late 1820s, army engineers began mapping the U.S. 12 route. They staked out the route, bypassing some low lands, hills and Sturgis. The people of Sturgis wanted the road to go through their town, following the Sauk Trail; so, as night fell, under cover of darkness, they lifted the surveyor’s stakes and repositioned them so that the road was routed through Sturgis.
Sturgis’ central location made industry very profitable, evoking the creation of three railroads through the town. The east-west Lakeshore and Michigan Southern was later known as the New York Central. The north-south Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was later known as the Pennsylvania Railroad. The northeast-southeast line, the Goshen/Battle Creek Railroad, was known as the Pumpkin Vine because of its meandering route.
From 1893 to 1895, the New York Central Depot was built at 200 West Main Street. After the railroad ceased to use it, the building was used for a washing machine repair shop, a small engine business and more. In 1977 it was restored, and the Sturgis Historical Society took occupancy and created the New York Central Railroad Depot Museum, housing artifacts and antiques relevant to Sturgis’ history. The Historical Society now shares residency in the Depot with the Chamber of Commerce.
Sturgis built its own dam near Centreville and, in 1911, transmitted electricity 18 miles to the Sturgis municipal power plant. At this time, Sturgis became known as the “Electric City.”
Sturgis’ ongoing confidence in itself continues to attract businesses and people who wish to excel. You are cordially invited to visit and experience Sturgis for yourself.
