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Benton Harbor, Michigan

Benton Harbor is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is 46 miles southwest of Kalamazoo and 71 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. According to the 2020 census, its population was 9,103. It is the smaller, by population, of the two principal cities in the Niles–Benton Harbor Metropolitan Statistical Area, an area with 156,813 people. Benton Harbor and the city of St. Joseph are separated by the St. Joseph River and are known locally as the "Twin Cities". Fairplain and Benton Heights are unincorporated areas adjacent to Benton Harbor.

History
Benton Harbor was founded by Henry C. Morton, Sterne Brunson and Charles Hull, who all now have or have had schools named after them. Benton Harbor was mainly wetlands bordered by the Paw Paw River, through which a canal was built, hence the "harbor" in the city's name. In 1860, the village was laid out by Brunson, Morton, Hull and others, and given the name Brunson Harbor.

Brunson, Morton, and Hull also donated land and solicited subscriptions for construction of the canal, which was completed in 1862. It had long been recognized that a canal would be crucial to the town's development, both to drain the marsh and to provide a berthing area for ships. The canal, originally 25 ft wide but expanded to 50 ft in 1868, led to the town's becoming a shipping and manufacturing center for the area.

In 1866, the settlement's name was changed to Benton Harbor in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri Senator who helped Michigan achieve statehood. In 1836, Benton Harbor was organized as a village and in 1891 it was incorporated as a city.

Benton Harbor's retail establishments started relocating outside of the city starting in the 1950s, and the city experienced an economic downturn between 1970 and 1985.

The House of David religious group was founded there and once ran a local amusement park.

Riots
Benton Harbor has had two major riots, one in 1966 and one in 2003, with smaller ones occurring in 1960, 1967, and 1990.

1966
On August 30, 1966, a riot began after a meeting discussing recreational facilities and police relations with respect to black residents. During the riot, a black 18-year-old named Cecil Hunt was killed in a drive-by shooting; suspects were arrested but the assault charge was later dismissed. Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard, who stood down on September 5 when the riot dissipated.

2003
In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor demonstrated for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by a police officer, crashed into a building and died. As many as 300 state troopers and law enforcement personnel from neighboring communities were called to Benton Harbor.

Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project's 2005 activities being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit. A state task force produced a report in 2003.

Water state of emergency
As with the 2014–2019 public health crisis involving the drinking water in Flint, in 2018 higher-than-acceptable levels of lead were found in Benton Harbor's tap water. Water was starting to appear "bubbly and white" to "brown", with a "horrible" taste and poor smell. This was due to lead-based water service lines. Testing found the samples returned lead levels of 22 parts per billion, greater than the 20 parts per billion in Flint and the federal lead action level of 15 parts per billion. High levels of copper were also noted in the annual consumer confidence reports that have been required by Environmental Protection Agency.

Concerns were with the health impacts of lead poisoning. As a result, residents were supplied with free bottled water, including for use with brushing teeth and cooking, for residences and schools. In September 2021, $10 million was budgeted to replace the lead service lines. All lead pipes had been replaced by December 1, 2023, per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 4.68 sqmi, of which 4.43 sqmi is land and 0.25 sqmi is water.

Climate
Benton Harbor has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa) that has very warm summers for the type and also less cold winters than many climates of the classification. Due to lake-effect snow there is very high snowfall relative to precipitation in winter, but far lower than some locations that are farther north in the state. Summer high temperatures range from 77 to 83 F from June to August, but the apparent heat is normally moderated by mild nights.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,038 people, 3,548 households, and 2,335 families residing in the city. The population density was 2265.9 PD/sqmi. There were 4,329 housing units at an average density of 977.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.2% African American, 7.0% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 3,548 households, of which 44.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 17.0% were married couples living together, 43.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.41.

The median age in the city was 28.3 years. 35.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.5% male and 53.5% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 11,182 people, 3,767 households and 2,557 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,545.7 PD/sqmi. There were 4,492 housing units at an average density of 1,022.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.40% African American, 5.48% White, 0.15% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 3,767 households, of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 20.8% were married couples living together, 42.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.53.

Age distribution was 39.6% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.7 males.

The median household income was $17,471, and the median family income was $19,250. Males had a median income of $27,154 versus $20,105 for females. The per capita income for the city was $8,965, the lowest in Michigan. About 39.6% of families and 42.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 52.5% of those under age 18 and 29.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics
The Michigan Treasury Department in 2009 sent a team to look into the city's finances. The team's report was a long list of mismanagement to the point that budgets were "effectively meaningless as a financial management tool." The city was $10 million underfunded in its pension fund and increasing budget deficits. In April 2010, Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Joseph Harris as Emergency Financial Manager. City staff was reduced by 30 to 70.

Harris was given expanded powers under a new law signed in March 2011 by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. Harris was previously the chief financial officer for the city of Detroit. On April 14, 2011, Harris suspended the decision-making powers of Benton Harbor's elected city officials, who can hold meetings but are not allowed to govern. The Michigan AFL–CIO president called the move "sad news for democracy in Michigan", but at least one city official, City Commissioner Bryan Joseph, supported it, saying the city had been mismanaged for decades.

On January 4, 2012, city commissioners Marcus Muhammad and MaryAlice Adams held a press conference where they stated that if there was still an emergency financial manager administering the city when Benton Harbor hosted the Senior PGA Championship in May, an "Occupy PGA movement should sit in on the golf greens and driving ranges in protest." Occupy PGA did hold protest marches on multiple days during the tournament, but did not disrupt the tournament.

On January 11, 2013, the Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board (ELB) voted to replace Harris as the Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) for the city. On February 1, 2013, the ELB appointed Tony R. Saunders II as the youngest Successor-Emergency Financial Manager for the city of Benton Harbor.

Library service for the city is provided by the Benton Harbor Public Library.

The town has a police department.

Education
The city is served by two institutions, Benton Harbor Area Schools within the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency, and Lake Michigan College, a two-year community college just east of Benton Harbor.

Economy
Whirlpool Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of major home appliances, has its corporate headquarters in nearby Benton Charter Township, along with a new Riverview campus near the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor and the Technical Center in St. Joseph.

Community organizations
Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO) is a political and social justice coalition working in Benton Harbor.

Major highways
Spanning the Paw Paw River and providing an additional connection to St. Joseph, the Charles Freeman Joseph bridge on Whitwam Drive, is named for Benton Harbor's first black mayor, opened in late 2005.
 * bypasses the city to the east and south, connecting with Kalamazoo and Detroit to the east and with Michigan City, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, to the south and southwest.
 * travels through the downtowns of both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. It mostly follows the former route of US 12.
 * begins nearby in Benton Township and continues northerly toward Holland, ending at Grand Rapids.
 * is currently a freeway (the St. Joseph Valley Parkway) from the Indiana border north, entering a partial cloverleaf with Main St. and I-94 connecting downtown Benton Harbor with US 31
 * serves as a loop route connecting with I-196 at the north and running through downtown St. Joseph. M-63 continues on to I-94 and then to M-139, where it ends. M-63 follows the former route of US 33.
 * begins at US 12 near Niles and terminates at BL I-94 on the Benton Harbor–Benton Township border (the northbound direction terminates wholly within Benton Township). M-139 follows a former route of US 31 south of I-94.

Rail
The Amtrak station in St. Joseph is served daily by Amtrak's Pere Marquette passenger train.

Bus
Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) provides bus transit throughout Benton Harbor and the surrounding areas. Originally strictly a dial-a-ride service, it has recently expanded to include three fixed routes—Red Route, Green Route and Blue Route. Red Route serves Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, St. Joseph Charter Township, Lincoln Township, and Royalton Township. Blue and Green routes operate throughout Benton Harbor and Benton Township.

Air
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport provides non-commercial air service.

Shipping
Both Benton Harbor and neighboring St. Joseph are commercial ports that receive bulk goods from lake freighters.

Media
Benton Harbor is served by The Herald-Palladium newspaper, whose offices are in nearby St. Joseph Township, and is part of the South Bend/Elkhart television market. The Benton Spirit community newspaper has also served the community for the past 10 years. The paper was acknowledged by former Governor Granholm's 2003 Benton Harbor Task Force Report as a key communications stakeholder that "proactively assists in the total development of Benton Harbor". Benton Harbor is served by sister radio stations WCXT, WCSY-FM, WQLQ, WIRX, WQYQ, WSJM-FM, and WYTZ, as well as WHFB and some in the South Bend market. Additionally, most of the Chicago market TV and radio stations are available from 60 mi across the lake.

Points of interest
Sites of interest in Benton Harbor are Shiloh House, built in 1910, which served as the administration building and men's dormitory for the House of David colony, a communal religious group; Morton House (on Morton Hill), built in 1849 by Eleazar Morton, which now houses a museum; Jean Klock Park on Lake Michigan; and the Golf Club at Harbor Shores. In neighboring Benton Township is a large fruit market that replaced the fruit market in the "flats" area of Benton Harbor, which was torn down during an urban renewal project in 1967.

The main shopping center is The Orchards Mall.

Sports
An American Basketball Association team (ABA), the Twin City Ballers, played in Benton Harbor for a few games in November 2006, but left the city due to poor attendance at games. Another ABA team, the Lake Michigan Admirals, began play in 2009. The Admirals switched from the ABA to join the Premiere Basketball League for the 2012 season.

Jack Dempsey defended his heavyweight title on September 6, 1920, in Benton Harbor, defeating Billy Miske.

The city hosts the Maytag Ironman 70.3 Steelhead triathlon, a qualifying event for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

The city is the birthplace of Iris Kyle, the most successful professional bodybuilder ever, with ten overall Ms. Olympia wins and two heavyweight wins, along with seven Ms. International wins and one heavyweight win.

Festivals
Benton Harbor co-hosts the annual Blossomtime Festival with St. Joseph.

Notable people

 * Vearne C. Babcock – member of the Early Birds of Aviation
 * Joique Bell – NFL football player for Detroit Lions
 * Bill Berry – jazz trumpeter
 * Bobo Brazil – professional wrestler
 * Wilson Chandler – NBA player for Philadelphia 76ers
 * Don Griffin – professional football player
 * Gene Harris (Haire) – jazz pianist
 * Niki Haris – singer and daughter of Gene Harris
 * Clara Edmunds Hemingway – poet, singer, composer, editor
 * Don Hopkins – MLB player for Oakland A's
 * Ernie Hudson – actor, Ghostbusters
 * Arte Johnson – actor and comedian, Laugh-In
 * Julie Krone – jockey, first woman to win horse racing's Belmont Stakes
 * Iris Kyle – IFBB professional bodybuilder
 * Walker "Bud" Mahurin – U.S. Air Force officer
 * Jim "Dandy" Mangrum – lead vocalist, Black Oak Arkansas
 * Anthony Miller – professional basketball player
 * Charles Willard Moore – architect and AIA Gold Medal winner
 * Rome (Jerome Woods) – R&B singer
 * Sinbad (David Adkins) – actor and comedian
 * Ruth Terry – singer and actress
 * Robert L. Van Antwerp Jr. - U.S. Army Lieutenant General and Chief of Engineers
 * Chet Walker – NBA basketball player for Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls, 7-time All-Star, 2012 inductee in Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Lyman M. Ward – Union Army brigadier general
 * Wally Weber – U-M football player, assistant coach, Hall of Honor inductee
 * Robert Whaley – NBA basketball player

title: Benton Harbor, Michigan


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Benton Heights, Michigan

Benton Heights is an unincorporated community in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes without any legal status as an incorporated municipality. Per the 2020 Census, the population was 3,652. The community is a part of Benton Charter Township and is adjacent to the city of Benton Harbor.

History
Benton Heights was formerly called "Euclid Center"; the present name was adopted in 1957.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.0 km2, all land.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,458 people, 1,944 households, and 1,310 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,419.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,175 housing units at an average density of 565.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 30.51% White, 65.63% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.88% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of the population.

There were 1,944 households, out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.4% were married couples living together, 32.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 36.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $19,651, and the median income for a family was $22,610. Males had a median income of $24,740 versus $17,816 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,959. About 31.3% of families and 38.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 53.2% of those under age 18 and 19.6% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Benton Heights, Michigan


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Berrien Township, Michigan

Berrien Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 4,868.

Berrien Township was established in 1832, taking its name from Berrien County.

Communities

 * Berrien Center is an unincorporated community within the township on M-140 at 41.95667°N, -86.27667°W, about 10 mi north of Niles and just a few miles east of Berrien Springs. It is situated at the corners of sections 9, 10, 15, and 16. A post office with the name Berrien Centre opened April 28, 1857. The name changed to Berrien Center in 1893. The ZIP code for the post office is 49102 and serves the northeast portion of Berrien Township.
 * Dickson's Corners was a hamlet in this township at least in the 1870s.
 * Fairland was a station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. It had a post office from 1885 until 1906.
 * The village of Berrien Springs is adjacent to the township on the west, and the Berrien Springs ZIP code 49103 also serves the southwest portion of Berrien Township.
 * The village of Eau Claire is partially within the Berrien Township, and the Eau Claire ZIP code 49111 also serves the northwest portion of the township.
 * The city of Niles is to the south, and the Nile ZIP code 49120 also serves the southeast portion of Berrien Township.
 * The community of Sodus is to the northwest, and the Sodus ZIP code 49126 also serves a small area in the northwest of Berrien Township.

The township is in the southeast portion of the county. The western boundary with Oronoko Charter Township is the St. Joseph River. Berrien Springs also lies to the west, with a small portion east of the river annexed by the village. Sodus Township lies to the northwest, while Pipestone Township and Eau Claire are to the north. Pokagon Township in Cass County lies to the east. Niles Township and Niles are to the south, and Buchanan Township is to the southwest.

US 31 cuts across the southwest corner of the township. M-140 runs north and south through the center of the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 95.3 km2, of which 90.8 km2 is land and 4.4 km2, or 4.66%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,075 people, 1,664 households, and 1,331 families residing in the township. The population density was 143.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,840 housing units at an average density of 52.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 88.00% White, 5.44% African American, 0.67% Native American, 1.71% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.95% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of the population.

There were 1,664 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,293, and the median income for a family was $49,390. Males had a median income of $35,500 versus $25,603 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,448. About 5.0% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Berrien Township, Michigan


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Berrien Springs, Michigan

Berrien Springs is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,910 at the time of the 2020 census. The village is located within Oronoko Charter Township.

History
Berrien Springs, like Berrien County, is named for John M. Berrien. "Springs" was added after mineral springs were discovered in the area.

The village is the site of the earliest European-American settlement in Oronoko Township. It was first known as "Wolf's Prairie" in reference to the 1,000-acre prairie in which it was situated. The site had been a village under the leadership of a Potawatomi chief named Wolf.

The first permanent settlers (according to European-American terms), John Pike and his family, did not arrive until 1829.

Francis B. Murdoch was a co-founder of the village and the first lawyer in the county. (His surname was spelled as 'Murdock' in some records.) In 1831 he built a two-story log house, which is the oldest surviving example of its kind in Michigan. In 1973 this house was moved near courthouse square, to be part of that historic complex.

Murdoch was known in the antebellum period for representing enslaved African Americans in freedom suits, in which they tried to gain freedom. Michigan was established as a free territory and later state. It went by the principle of "once free, always free". If slaveholders brought enslaved people to the state, the latter were judged to be free.

The village of Berrien was platted in 1831. The Berrien Springs post office opened with the name "Berrien" on December 4, 1832; this was changed to Berrien Springs on April 18, 1836.

Berrien Springs served as the county seat from 1837 until 1894, when St. Joseph was designated as the county seat.

1839 courthouse
Berrien Springs courthouse, designed by local architect Gilbert B. Avery, was completed in 1839, making it the oldest courthouse in the state. The Greek Revival-style courthouse emulated the architecture of ancient Greece with its large columns, triangular pediment and white paint. After the county seat was moved in 1894, the building was put to various uses and briefly was vacant. In 1967, efforts to preserve and restore the courthouse were started. Such restoration was completed by 1975.

The restored courthouse square also features the Midwest's most complete surviving mid-nineteenth century county government complex. Today the square houses a county museum and archives. The courthouse serves as headquarters for the Berrien County Historical Association. Its original buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property is dedicated to the preservation of Berrien County's history and does this through permanent and temporary exhibits, programs, events, and community outreach.

Christmas pickle capital of the world
Berrien Springs was once known as the Christmas pickle capital of the world. A festival was established by the Berrien Springs-Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA), and the village. They featured parades, games, activities, and a Pickle Prince and Princess contest. The event ran until the mid-2000s. In 2021, the Pickle Festival was revived by the Village, the BCHA, and the Berrien Springs Community Library.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, of which 0.94 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi is water. The village is situated on the St. Joseph River.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,800 people, 756 households, and 463 families living in the village. The population density was 1914.9 PD/sqmi. There were 837 housing units at an average density of 890.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 72.7% White, 12.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 5.1% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 4.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 12.9% of the population.

There were 756 households, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.8% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the village was 34.6 years. 22.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,862 people, 732 households, and 475 families living in the village. The population density was 2,059.6 PD/sqmi. There were 787 housing units at an average density of 870.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 77.12% White, 11.06% African American, 0.43% Native American, 4.03% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 4.30% from other races, and 2.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.92% of the population.

There were 732 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, 23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 11.9% was from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,396, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $31,467 versus $21,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,093. About 12.4% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

Elementary

 * Mars Elementary – public, grades K-2
 * Sylvester Elementary – public, grades 3–5
 * Berrien Springs Middle School – public, grades 6–8
 * Trinity Lutheran School – private, religious (Lutheran), grades preK – 8
 * Ruth Murdoch Elementary – private, religious (Seventh-day Adventist), grades K-8
 * Village SDA Elementary – private, religious (Seventh-day Adventist), grades K-8

Secondary

 * Andrews Academy – private, religious (Seventh-day Adventist), grades 9–12
 * Berrien Springs High School – public, grades 9–12; team name: Shamrocks; team colors: green and white
 * Blossomland Learning Center, run by Berrien County RESA – preschool through age 26

Post-secondary

 * Andrews University is located outside of town, but still in Oronoko Charter Township. It is served by the Berrien Springs post office.

Notable people

 * Muhammad Ali, professional boxer, considered among the greatest heavyweights in the sport's history; owned a home in the Berrien Springs area
 * Francis B. Murdoch, attorney and co-founder of Berrien Springs
 * Regan Upshaw, defensive lineman for five NFL teams; born in Berrien Springs (1975)

title: Berrien Springs, Michigan


text:
Hacienda Heights, California

Hacienda Heights is an unincorporated suburban community  in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, the community had a total population of 54,191, up from 54,038 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the Census Bureau has defined Hacienda Heights as a census designated place (CDP). It is the second largest CDP in Los Angeles County by area, behind Topanga, and the county's fourth largest CDP by population.

History
Hacienda Heights sits on land that was originally part of Rancho La Puente. During Spanish rule, the land around Hacienda Heights was operated by the nearby Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in San Gabriel. The Rancho was eventually acquired by John A. Rowland and William Workman in 1845 via a Mexican land grant, and eventually acquired by Elias "Lucky" Baldwin in the mid-1870s. In 1912, his descendant, Anita Baldwin, sold the property to Edwin Hart and Jet Torrance. In 1913 the pair subdivided the area and named it North Whittier Heights, which became known for avocado, citrus and walnut orchards. However, from the Great Depression era to the early 1940s, citrus growing became unprofitable because of pests and diseases, setting the impetus for the area's transformation into a suburb.

Accelerating in the 1950s, suburban residential development transformed Hacienda Heights into a residential or bedroom community. In 1960, the Hacienda Heights Branch of the Los Angeles County Public Library opened. The following year, in 1961, the area was renamed Hacienda Heights. In 1964, the local newspaper, the Hacienda Heights Highlander, was established.

The hills surrounding Hacienda Heights have a history of brush fires, especially in 1978, 1989, and 2020.

Geography
Hacienda Heights is in the eastern San Gabriel Valley bordering City of Industry to the North, Whittier to the West, La Habra Heights to the South, and Rowland Heights to the East along the Pomona Freeway - Route 60. Hacienda Heights is a predominantly residential neighborhood.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 11.2 sqmi, of which only 0.06% is water.

Hacienda Heights also has the Puente Hills forming its 'green belt' southern border and much of its western border. The highest point is Workman Hill at 1391 ft. Coyotes are common concern among residents.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Hacienda Heights had a population of 54,038. The population density was 4,832.4 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Hacienda Heights was 38% White (12.6% Non-Hispanic White), 1.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 39.3% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 46%.

The census reported that 53,928 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 70 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 40 (0.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 16,193 households, out of which 6,185 (38.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 10,151 (62.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,331 (14.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,024 (6.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 555 (3.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 93 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,111 households (13.0%) were made up of individuals, and 1,047 (6.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33. There were 13,506 families (83.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.59.

The CDP population contained 11,864 people (22.0%) under the age of 18, 5,184 people (9.6%) aged 18 to 24, 13,597 people (25.2%) aged 25 to 44, 15,071 people (27.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,322 people (15.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.1 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.

There were 16,650 housing units at an average density of 1,488.9 /sqmi, of which 12,720 (78.6%) were owner-occupied, and 3,473 (21.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.6%. 42,189 people (78.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 11,739 people (21.7%) lived in rental housing units. Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2013–2017 was $545,400 with medium gross rent of $1,734.

Landmarks
West of Hacienda Heights is the former Puente Hills Landfill, which was at one time the largest landfill in the U.S. until its closure in 2013. It is now used as a gas-to-energy facility, as well as part of the Puente Hills Habitat Authority.

The "Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority" supports public enjoyment and access of the nearby parkland in the Puente Hills. Some of the hiking trails they offer are Hacienda Hills, Sycamore Canyon, Turnbull Canyon and Hellman Park.

Hsi Lai Temple
Hsi Lai Temple (meaning "Coming West"), a branch of Fo Guang Shan of Taiwan, is the largest Buddhist temple in North America. The temple was completed in 1988 and encompasses 15 acre and a floor area of 102432 sqft. The temple's Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and Qing dynasty (1644–1911) architecture is faithful to the traditional style of buildings, Chinese gardens, and statuary of ancient Chinese monasteries. Hsi Lai was built to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for Buddhism and Chinese culture.

Representation
In the California Los Angeles County, Hacienda Heights is located in the Supervisorial First District, represented by Hilda Solis

In the state senate, Hacienda Heights is located in.

In the California State Assembly it is located in.

Federally, Hacienda Heights is located in.

Services
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates the Industry Station in the City of Industry, serving Hacienda Heights.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Pomona Health Center in Pomona, serving Hacienda Heights.

Cityhood
In 2003, voters were asked to decide whether the community should incorporate and become a city. Proponents argued that a new city would be able to better control development and provide increased police and fire service, while opponents argued that the new city would increase taxes and redevelop residential neighborhoods for revenue-generating businesses. Most of the prime commercial land had already been annexed by the City of Industry to escape taxes levied by the County on unincorporated areas. Ultimately the measure failed by about a 2-1 margin.

Education
The city is served by the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

High schools

 * Los Altos High School
 * Glen A. Wilson High School
 * Valley Alternative High School

Middle schools

 * Newton Middle School
 * Orange Grove Middle School
 * Cedarlane Academy

K-8 schools

 * Mesa Robles School
 * Cedarlane Academy
 * St. Marks Lutheran School

Elementary schools
Glenelder Elementary School was merged with Cedarlane and Shadybend was closed down, too.
 * Bixby Elementary
 * Grazide Elementary
 * Kwis Elementary
 * Los Altos Elementary
 * Los Molinos Elementary
 * Los Robles Academy
 * Palm Elementary
 * Wedgeworth Elementary
 * Hillgrove Elementary at 1234 Valencia Ave (1953–1984)

Notable people

 * Phillip Bladh, Sound Engineer, 93rd Academy Awards Oscar winner for best Sound for movie Sound of Metal
 * Caprice Bourret, actress and model
 * Ralph Brown, football player
 * William Campbell, California state legislator
 * Shaun Cody, football player
 * Andy DeMize, rock musician
 * Fergie, singer and actress
 * Jeff Garcia, voice actor and comedian
 * Rob Hertel, football player
 * Gary Jones, former national champion motocross racer
 * Josh Keaton, actor and singer, The Spectacular Spider-Man
 * Dong Kim, neurosurgeon
 * David Lee, photographer and film director, Publisher of Destination Luxury
 * Esperanza Martinez, painter
 * Sona Movsesian, executive assistant and television personality
 * Shane del Rosario, MMA fighter
 * Ryan Sakoda, professional wrestler
 * Michael Smith, former All-America basketball player at BYU and first-round pick of the Boston Celtics (13th overall), current television and color announcer for Los Angeles Clippers
 * Jill Sterkel, 2-time Olympic champion freestyle swimmer
 * Kevin Song, professional poker player
 * Troy Tanner, professional volleyball player
 * Brian Tee, actor
 * Tiffanie Ward, boxer
 * Scott Williams, professional NBA basketball player
 * Marc Yu, child musician

Community events
Since 1966, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights has hosted a carnival event called "Early California Days", (also known as 'Harvest in the Heights') usually held for a week each summer. The festivities consists of rides, games, food, music and a grand raffle with cash prizes.

Since the 1970s, there has been an annual football derby between rival high schools, Los Altos and Glen A. Wilson for control of a trophy that resembles a wagon wheel.

title: Hacienda Heights, California


text:
Bertrand Township, Michigan

Bertrand Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 2,611.

Bertrand Township was established in 1836, and named for Joseph Bertrand, a pioneer citizen.

Communities
Dayton is an unincorporated community in the western part of township at 41.79833°N, -86.43944°W. It is on Dayton Lake off U.S. Highway 12 about midway between Niles and Three Oaks, just a few miles north of the Indiana state border. The settlement was founded in 1830 by Benjamin Redding, and a post office named "Redding's Mills" opened on June 17, 1850. It was designated on an 1839 map of Michigan as "Terré Coupe", and when the Michigan Central Railroad was built through the area in 1848, the depot was named Terre Coupe (and also spelled Terra Coupée). The name of the depot was changed to Dayton after the post office was renamed "Dayton" on April 11, 1851, after Dayton, Ohio, where many early settlers had come from. The post office was discontinued on September 22, 1967.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 90.7 km2, of which 89.2 km2 is land and 1.5 km2, or 1.71%, is water.

The township is in the southeast portion of the county, with Galien Township to the west, Weesaw Township to the northwest, and Buchanan Township with the village of Buchanan to the north on the west side of the township. The city of Niles lies on the northeast corner of the township, while irregularly-shaped Niles Township is to the north on the east side of the township and also to the east of the township. St. Joseph County, Indiana, lies to the south, with Olive Township to the southwest, Warren Township due south, and German Township with the city of South Bend to the south on the east side of the township.

U.S. Route 31 crosses the township north and south, while US 12 crosses it east and west.

Along with a corner of Galien Township, the southern part of the township is the only part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan that is part of the drainage of the Mississippi River, and with the Michigan shore of Lac Vieux Desert in the Upper Peninsula, is one of two such areas in the state.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,380 people, 903 households, and 700 families residing in the township. The population density was 68.9 PD/sqmi. There were 963 housing units at an average density of 27.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.23% White, 0.50% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 903 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.3% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $55,183, and the median income for a family was $59,118. Males had a median income of $35,682 versus $24,800 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,130. About 3.7% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bertrand Township, Michigan


text:
Bridgman, Michigan

Bridgman is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,096 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
There was a place in this area known as Plummer's Pier. In 1856 lumbermen founded Charlotteville in this area.

Bridgman itself begins with the village of that name platted by George C. Bridgman in 1870. It was centered on a railroad station opened that year.

The Bridgman post office, with ZIP code 49106 opened with the name "Laketon" on November 11, 1862. The name changed to Bridgman on April 9, 1874. Bridgman later expanded by annexing the area that had previously been Charlotteville. The town is famous for being the location of the 1922 Bridgman Convention, a clandestine communist planning meeting in 1922 that was broken up by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and local authorities.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.93 sqmi, of which 2.90 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,291 people, 954 households, and 608 families living in the city. The population density was 790.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,183 housing units at an average density of 407.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 1.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of the population.

There were 954 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,428 people, 998 households, and 649 families living in the city. The population density was 829.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,140 housing units at an average density of 389.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.33% White, 0.70% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 998 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% 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 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,292, and the median income for a family was $56,466. Males had a median income of $40,862 versus $24,297 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,405. About 4.7% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Herbert S. Gutowsky, chemist
 * Ralf Mojsiejenko, German-born NFL player
 * Jerry Planutis, NFL player; coach for the Michigan State Spartans and Bridgman High School

title: Bridgman, Michigan


text:
Buchanan, Michigan

Buchanan is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,300 at the 2020 census. The city is located at the southeast corner of Buchanan Township, about 5 mi west of Niles.

History
The community was named after James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. Popularly known as "Redbud City" because of the many redbud trees that have historically lined city streets and the major approaches to the city, Buchanan has long been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The area, already having been populated by Native Americans in places such as the Moccasin Bluff site, was first settled in 1833 at the spot where McCoy Creek meets the St. Joseph River. The village of Buchanan was platted in 1842 and incorporated in 1858.

In 1941, as part of the Section of Fine Arts arts projects, Gertrude Goodrich painted a mural, Production, in the Buchanan post office. Later painted over, it is in the process of being restored.

On April 12, 1979, farms, houses and mobile homes just north of the city were damaged by an F2 tornado. There were no deaths but several residences sustained significant damage.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.57 sqmi, of which 2.50 sqmi is land and 0.07 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,456 people, 1,901 households, and 1,136 families residing in the city. The population density was 1782.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,139 housing units at an average density of 855.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.6% White, 7.5% African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.3% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,901 households, of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 3.01.

The median age in the city was 37.6 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 4,681 people, 1,915 households, and 1,191 families in the city. The population density was 1,950.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,098 housing units, for an average density of 874.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.26% White, 10.23% African American, 1.92% multiracial, 0.60% other races, 0.51% Asian, and 0.47% Native American. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.84% of the population.

There were 1,915 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.05.

The age structure of the population was diffuse, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 9.6% aged 18–24, 29.0% aged 25–44, 21.3% aged 45–64, and 14.5% 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35. Sex ratio was skewed toward females, with 87.5 males for every 100 females of all ages and 83.1 males for every 100 females 18 years or older.

Median income was $34,244 for a household and $43,860 for a family. Males had a median income of $32,950 versus $21,857 for females. Per capita income was $16,600. About 10.9% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.7% of those younger than 18 and 10.7% of those older than 64.

Economy
Buchanan was historically known as the headquarters for Clark Equipment Company, a manufacturer of truck axles, fork lift trucks, front-end loaders, and other heavy machinery. The company was formed in 1916 out of an acquisition of two other Buchanan companies. Clark left the area in the 1990s, forcing the city to diversify, and a number of smaller businesses took over the buildings Clark essentially donated to the city.

Electro-Voice, a manufacturer of high quality audio equipment such as microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers, was also headquartered in Buchanan.

Attractions
Pears Mill, a flour mill using the water power of the swiftly flowing McCoy Creek, was built in 1857 and still stands. It is open during the summer for visitors.

The Tin Shop Theatre, located near Pears Mill, is a small theater with performances in the summer. The seasons run into September and a variety of shows for everyone of any age and any occasion are performed there.

Buchanan Art Center, located near the old Police Station holds art shows and fundraisers all year round

Red Bud MX is a racetrack opened in 1973 that hosts a round of the AMA Motocross Championship on the Independence Day weekend.

Many other attractions are located in surrounding Buchanan Township.

Education
Buchanan Community Schools consists of two elementary schools, Ottawa and Moccasin (grades K-4), Buchanan Middle School (grades 5–7), and Buchanan High School.

Transportation
Buchanan is located 1.5 mi north of US 12, 2.3 mi west of US 31, 9.3 mi north of the US 31 interchange on the Indiana Toll Road (I-80|I-90), and 20 mi east of I-94 (exit 4 via US 12).

The nearest rail hubs are the Amtrak stations at Niles and New Buffalo, and the South Shore Line station in South Bend, Indiana.

Commercial air service is provided by the South Bend International Airport, with flights to larger hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater.

Notable people

 * Peggy Cramer, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, born in Buchanan
 * Virgil Exner, influential automobile designer, lived in Buchanan during his youth and graduated from Buchanan High School
 * John Grant, singer-songwriter born in Buchanan
 * Jack "Sky" Knight, aviation pioneer
 * Cary Moon, urban planner and politician
 * Harry Niles, outfielder and second baseman for St. Louis Browns, New York Highlanders, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Naps; born in Buchanan
 * Jackson Scholz, the 200-m sprint champion in the 1924 Olympics (portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire), also a successful author; born in Buchanan
 * Jay Town, United States District Attorney, raised in Buchanan and graduated from Buchanan High School
 * Hannah Roberts, American BMX freestyle cyclist raised in Buchanan and graduated from Buchanan High School. She is a three time world champion in the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships and silver medalist in freestyle BMX at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

title: Buchanan, Michigan


text:
Buchanan Township, Michigan

Buchanan Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,436. The city of Buchanan is located in the southeast portion of the township.

Buchanan Township is bounded by Oronoko Charter Township to the north, Berrien Township to the north and northeast, Niles Township to the east, Bertrand Township to the south and southeast, Galien Township to the southwest, Weesaw Township to the west, and Baroda Township to the northwest.

No major highways transit the township, although US 12 parallels the southern edge and US 31 passes just to the east.

Communities

 * Fort Sumter was a settlement on the south side of the St. Joseph River founded in the early 1860s.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 85.9 km2, of which 83.2 km2 is land and 2.7 km2, or 3.11%, is water.

The St. Joseph River enters the township from the southeast, bends north by the city of Buchanan, and then flows mostly north through the eastern portion of the township.

Nature
The 105 acre Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is located on the eastern bank of the St. Joseph River in the northeast corner of the township and is open year-round. Madron Lake is also located within the township.

Sports
Red Bud MX motocross track is located in the northern portion of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,510 people, 1,317 households, and 1,023 families residing in the township. The population density was 108.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,554 housing units at an average density of 48.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.18% White, 1.20% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.

There were 1,317 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.3% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,503, and the median income for a family was $46,797. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $24,274 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,572. About 4.6% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 1.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Buchanan Township, Michigan


text:
Chikaming Township, Michigan

Chikaming Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 2,778. The township is located in the west central portion of the county. Lake Michigan lies to the northwest, Lake Township is to the north and northeast, Weesaw Township is to the east, Three Oaks Township is to the south, and New Buffalo Township is to the southwest.

History
Chikaming Township was established once the Miami people were deported from their land in Southwest Michigan. Chikaming Township was established in 1856. Although most traces of native history have been erased from the area, the name "Chikaming" (historically also spelled "Chickaming") is derived from one of the Algonquin languages meaning "lake".

Communities
The unincorporated communities of Sawyer, Harbert, and Lakeside are all within the township, and Union Pier is partially located in both Chikaming and New Buffalo Township. The U.S. Census Bureau recognizes the Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert census-designated place in the northern third of the township for statistical purposes.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 57.3 km2, of which 56.8 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 0.83%, is water.

Interstate 94 passes northeast–southwest through the township, parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Warren Woods State Park is within the township. The Galien River flows from northeast to southwest through the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,678 people, 1,646 households, and 1,097 families residing in the township. The population density was 166.7 PD/sqmi. There were 3,473 housing units at an average density of 157.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.70% White, 2.26% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 1,646 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the township the population was spread out, with 19.8% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $47,778, and the median income for a family was $53,942. Males had a median income of $37,292 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the township was $30,868. About 2.2% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Chikaming Township, Michigan


text:
Coloma, Michigan

Coloma is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,465 at the 2020 census.

History
Coloma was incorporated as a village in 1893 and as a city in 1941.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.89 sqmi, all land.

Rich farmland in the area made temperate by Lake Michigan is called the Fruit Belt, and Coloma is located in the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area.

Coloma is near the former resort area of Paw Paw Lake.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,483 people, 606 households, and 398 families living in the city. The population density was 1666.3 PD/sqmi. There were 667 housing units at an average density of 749.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 1.2% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 1.7% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 606 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 38.6 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 14.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,595 people, 626 households, and 446 families living in the city. The population density was 1,766.9 PD/sqmi. There were 675 housing units at an average density of 747.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.61% White, 1.13% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.

There were 626 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.2% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,882, and the median income for a family was $46,042. Males had a median income of $36,681 versus $21,397 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,714. About 5.9% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The Glad-Peach Festival is held in Coloma every August.

title: Coloma, Michigan


text:
Coloma Charter Township, Michigan

Coloma Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,051 at the 2020 census. The city of Coloma lies within the township.

The township is located in the north central portion of the county. Hagar Township is to the west, Covert Township of Van Buren County is to the north, Watervliet Township is to the east, Bainbridge Township is to the south, and Benton Charter Township to the southwest.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 49.4 km2, of which 46.5 km2 is land and 2.9 km2, or 5.82%, is water.

I-94 passes through the south of the township. M-140 touches the northeast corner of the township before bending eastward around Paw Paw Lake. The eastern boundary of the township passes through the center of the lake. The census-designated place of Paw Paw Lake, Michigan, surrounds the lake and extends into Watervliet Township. The Paw Paw River flows through the south part of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,217 people, 2,111 households, and 1,481 families residing in the township. The population density was 286.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,599 housing units at an average density of 142.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.53% White, 0.69% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 2,111 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,029, and the median income for a family was $44,859. Males had a median income of $36,231 versus $21,378 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,377. About 4.0% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Coloma Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Eau Claire, Michigan

Eau Claire is a village located in east central Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 552 at the 2020 census.

The village lies partially within Pipestone Township and partially within Berrien Charter Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.74 sqmi, all land.

History
Eau Claire was established in 1861. The community took its name from a nearby creek which was observed to have clear water; "eau claire" is French for "clear water".

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 625 people, 214 households, and 157 families living in the village. The population density was 844.6 PD/sqmi. There were 239 housing units at an average density of 323.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 82.6% White, 5.1% African American, 1.4% Native American, 7.2% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.9% of the population.

There were 214 households, of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.6% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.41.

The median age in the village was 31.2 years. 30.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 656 people, 227 households, and 170 families living in the village. The population density was 902.4 PD/sqmi. There were 238 housing units at an average density of 327.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.31% White, 3.05% African American, 1.52% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 1.98% from other races, and 1.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.08% of the population.

There were 227 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.5% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 15.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $41,477. Males had a median income of $28,295 versus $20,852 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,668. About 8.4% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

High school
Eau Claire High School has an enrollment of around 194 students.

title: Eau Claire, Michigan


text:
Fair Plain, Michigan

Fair Plain (also "Fairplain" ) is an unincorporated community in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and has no legal status as a municipality. The population was 7,402 at the 2020 census.

History
The community was named for the scenic character of the original town site.

Fairplain Plaza, located on M-139 on the east edge of Fair Plain, was the first shopping center in the area, opening in 1958. The original Fairplain Plaza was largely demolished by the late 1990s, but was subsequently rebuilt and expanded using different architecture techniques.

There was a failed proposal to incorporate Fair Plain as a city in 1975.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.5 km2, of which 10.9 km2 is land and 0.6 km2, or 5.22%, is water.

The Fair Plain CDP consists of the portion of St. Joseph Charter Township lying northeast of the St. Joseph River and a portion of Benton Charter Township. The CDP's boundaries are the city of Benton Harbor to the north, the St. Joseph River to the west and south, and M-139 to the east.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,828 people, 3,287 households, and 2,116 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,860.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,436 housing units at an average density of 816.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 49.08% White, 47.42% Black or African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.67% of the population.

There were 3,287 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $37,154, and the median income for a family was $45,950. Males had a median income of $34,524 versus $24,043 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,344. About 10.8% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.5% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Fair Plain, Michigan


text:
Galien, Michigan

Galien (pronounced guh-LEEN) is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 513 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Galien Township.

History
The founder of the village of Galien was George A. Blakeslee. Born in Pennsylvania, he came to Galien Township in 1853. He platted Galien village in 1861, and it was incorporated in 1879. The village straddled a fairly new Michigan Central Railroad completed in 1849 from New Buffalo to Detroit. Blakeslee operated a sawmill at the site of present-day Galien, and established a general store. He purchased several thousand acres in the vicinity of the village and harvested the timber for his sawmill operation. For many years after Galien was established, he was president of the village, postmaster, justice of the peace, member of the school board and later World Bishop of the Latter Day Saint's Church. Blakeslee Street was named after him and is located in the SE quadrant of the city plat.

On July 21, 1971, fire broke out in a hardware store in downtown Galien and destroyed that building as well as a restaurant and a beauty salon adjacent to it. Another fire on October 18, 1971, extensively damaged a nearby IGA supermarket. Between the two fires in one year, the northeast corner of the business district was destroyed.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.42 sqmi, all land. Galien straddles U.S. Highway 12, and is located in the Galien River basin, being situated just west and south of the main stem.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 549 people, 227 households, and 133 families living in the village. The population density was 1307.1 PD/sqmi. There were 255 housing units at an average density of 607.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.4% White, 1.1% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 227 households, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.6% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.4% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% 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 3.09.

The median age in the village was 37.6 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 593 people, 223 households, and 159 families living in the village. The population density was 1,329.9 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 547.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.96% White, 0.17% Native American, and 2.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.84% of the population.

There were 223 households, out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,250, and the median income for a family was $35,313. Males had a median income of $36,053 versus $17,692 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,739. About 13.3% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Galien, Michigan


text:
Galien Township, Michigan

Galien Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,412. The village of Galien is located within the township.

The township is in the south central portion of the county. Three Oaks Township is to the west and northwest, Weesaw Township to the north, Buchanan Township to the northeast, and Bertrand Township to the east. Indiana is to the south, with Olive Township in St. Joseph County to the southeast and Hudson Township in LaPorte County to the southwest.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Galien Township has a total area of 57.1 km2, of which 56.9 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 0.35%, is water.

US 12 passes through the northern part of the township.

A branch of the Galien River flows northwest through the township to Lake Michigan eventually discharging in to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River. Galien River was one of the locations where in 1966 the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources began releasing Coho and Chinook salmon in Michigan rivers. The salmon, later as adults, would return to those locations to spawn.

A portion of southeastern Galien Township along with neighboring southwestern Bertrand Township are part of the Kankakee River drainage system which continues to the Mississippi River drainage basin. This is only one of two locations in Michigan (the other in the Upper Peninsula) that are part of the Mississippi River drainage basin.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,611 people, 619 households, and 448 families residing in the township. The population density was 73.0 PD/sqmi. There were 680 housing units at an average density of 30.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.46% White, 0.50% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.

There were 619 households, out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,434, and the median income for a family was $44,706. Males had a median income of $35,337 versus $19,637 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,850. About 5.8% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Galien Township, Michigan


text:
La Crescenta-Montrose, California

La Crescenta-Montrose is an unincorporated area in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The community is bordered by Glendale to the south and west, La Cañada Flintridge to the east, and Angeles National Forest to the north. According to the United States Census Bureau, the La Crescenta-Montrose Census-Designated Place (CDP) measures about 3.4 sqmi, and the population was 19,997 at the 2020 census, up from 19,653 in 2010 and 18,532 in 2000.

Geography
La Crescenta-Montrose encompasses those parts of the Crescenta Valley, northwestern San Rafael Hills, and northeastern Verdugo Mountains not within the cities of Glendale or La Cañada Flintridge. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined La Crescenta-Montrose as a CDP.

La Crescenta-Montrose is bordered on the north by the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, on the east by La Cañada Flintridge, on the south by the Verdugo Mountains and central Glendale, and the northwest by the Sunland-Tujunga community of Los Angeles. The Foothill Freeway (I-210) runs through the southern portion of the area.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that La Crescenta-Montrose had a population of 19,653. The population density was 5,717.8 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of La Crescenta-Montrose was 12,807 (65.2%) White (57.9% Non-Hispanic White), 142 (0.7%) African American, 70 (0.4%) Native American, 5,375 (27.3%) Asian, 12 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 533 (2.7%) from other races, and 714 (3.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,232 persons (11.4%).

The Census reported that 19,652 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 1 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 7,088 households, out of which 2,700 (38.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4,190 (59.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 784 (11.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 298 (4.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 212 (3.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 42 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,533 households (21.6%) were made up of individuals, and 555 (7.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77. There were 5,272 families (74.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.26.

The population distribution was 4,612 people (23.5%) under the age of 18, 1,635 people (8.3%) aged 18 to 24, 4,590 people (23.4%) aged 25 to 44, 6,388 people (32.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,428 people (12.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males.

There were 7,350 housing units at an average density of 2,138.4 /sqmi, of which 4,568 (64.4%) were owner-occupied, and 2,520 (35.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%. 13,478 people (68.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 6,174 people (31.4%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, La Crescenta-Montrose had a median household income of $89,375, with 7.4% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,532 people, 6,945 households, and 4,944 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5,407.0 PD/sqmi. There were 7,108 housing units at an average density of 2,073.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 72.93% White, 0.52% African American, 0.36% Native American, 18.68% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.69% from other races, and 4.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.91% of the population.

There were 6,945 households, out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $60,089, and the median income for a family was $69,381. Males had a median income of $60,027 versus $38,532 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $30,196. About 3.9% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

Mapping L.A.
In 2009, the Los Angeles Times's Mapping L.A. project supplied these neighborhood statistics based on the 2000 census.

The percentages of Asian and white people in La Crescenta-Montrose were high for the county. Median income at $82,693 was high for the county, The percentages of households that earned $60,000 to $125,000 and $125,000 and up were high for the county. 40.8% of residents 25 and older had a four-year degree, high for the county. The percentages of residents ages 35 to 49 and 50 to 64 were among the county's highest. The single-parent rate was 8.8 percent, low for the county. The percentage of veterans who served during Vietnam was among the county's highest.

Comparison of La Crescenta-Montrose with nearby neighborhoods
Most percentages are rounded to the nearest whole figure.

Education
Schools in La Crescenta-Montrose are a part of the Glendale Unified School District.

Elementary schools
 * La Crescenta Elementary School
 * Dunsmore Elementary School
 * John C. Fremont Elementary School (Glendale)
 * Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
 * Monte Vista Elementary School
 * Mountain Avenue Elementary School
 * Valley View Elementary School

Middle schools
 * Rosemont Middle School

High schools
 * Crescenta Valley High School
 * Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School

Independent study
 * Verdugo Academy (K-12)
 * Options For Youth Public Charter Schools (7-12)

Private
 * Armenian Sisters' Academy (TK-8)
 * Chamlian Armenian School (TK-8)
 * Holy Redeemer-St. James Catholic School (TK-8)
 * St. Monica Academy (1-12)
 * Montrose Christian Montessori School (PK-6)

History
The area is part of the homelands of the Tongva people. It became part of Rancho La Cañada, a Mexican land grant given in 1843 by Governor Manuel Micheltorena to a Mexican schoolteacher from Pueblo de Los Ángeles, Ygnacio Coronel (1795–1862).

La Crescenta does not mean "the crescent," which in Spanish would be el creciente. From his home, early settler Benjamin B. Briggs "could see three crescent-shaped formations, which suggested to him the artificial name," accepted by the U.S. Post Office in 1888. Montrose was chosen "as the result of a contest for the subdivision established in 1913 on part of the La Crescenta development.

The Great Flood of 1934
In November 1933, wildfires raged through the nearby San Gabriel mountains above the communities of La Crescenta, La Cañada and Montrose. During the last week of December of that year, a series of winter storms pounded the mountainside with 12 in of rain. On New Year's Eve, more heavy rains led to sporadic flooding.

Around midnight, hillsides in at least three mountain locations collapsed sending millions of tons of mud and debris into the Crescenta Valley neighborhoods below.

More than 400 homes were destroyed in La Cañada, La Crescenta, Montrose and Tujunga. Scores of people were killed, and hundreds were left homeless. Entire families were wiped out. The mudslides that began in the mountains above La Cañada and La Crescenta carved a path of destruction all the way to the Verdugo Wash and beyond.Some Montrose residents sought shelter from flooding at American Legion Post 288, which was destroyed, killing 12. Parts of Foothill Boulevard were buried under 12 ft of mud, boulders and debris. The mud was deep enough to bury cars completely on Montrose Avenue. Miles of Honolulu Boulevard were inundated by several feet of sand and silt.

Two notable victims of the flood were silent-era identical-twin child actors Winston and Weston Doty, who died at the age of 19.

Following the disaster, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the County of Los Angeles built a flood control system of catch basins and concrete storm drains, designed to prevent a repeat of the 1934 disaster.

The flood was commemorated in Woody Guthrie's song "Los Angeles New Year's Flood". To honor the victims of that New Year's calamity and to mark its 75th anniversary, a small monument was dedicated January 1, 2004, at Rosemont and Fairway avenues in Montrose, near where the American Legion Hall had stood.

In popular culture
In the spring of 2012, a black bear wandered regularly from the Angeles National Forest into the La Crescenta-Montrose-Glendale residential area, rummaging through trash cans and showing a preference for Costco meatballs and tuna. The bear was subdued in La Crescenta and returned to the forest. A Twitter account from an individual posting as "GlenBearian" appeared with updates from the bear's perspective.

The historic 1946 La Crescenta Motel, formerly known as the May Lane Motel, with its classic postwar L-shaped layout on Foothill Boulevard, has been used as a location for numerous feature films and television shows, such as Glee, Criminal Minds, Mad Men and True Blood.

Rockhaven Sanitarium on Honolulu Avenue, built entirely of rock, opened in 1923. It became known as the "Screen Actors' Sanitarium," housing such patients as Billie Burke and Gladys Baker, mother of Marilyn Monroe. Closed in 2006, the property was purchased by the City of Glendale in 2008. As of early 2016, the site is being considered for "adaptive reuse."

Another, more notorious sanitarium existed in La Crescenta from the 1920s to the early 1960s. A few yards west of the La Crescenta Motel, on the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Rosemont Avenue, is the site of the Kimball Sanitarium, which was housed in a large, foreboding, converted Victorian mansion built in the 1880s. Bela Lugosi attempted to overcome his morphine addiction at the Kimball, represented in the Tim Burton film Ed Wood. Actress Frances Farmer, misdiagnosed as a "paranoid schizophrenic," received insulin shock therapy at Kimball. Plans to expand the sanitarium were rejected by local residents in the early 1960s, and the sanitarium was torn down. Construction workers readying the building for demolition found padded cells with straitjackets and manacles attached to the walls. The site became a shopping plaza in 1989, and a Ralphs supermarket occupies the spot where the disreputable sanitarium once stood.

During a bipolar episode in 1996, actress Margot Kidder attempted to walk 12 mi from downtown Los Angeles to the La Crescenta home of a friend, writer Rosie Shuster. Kidder was discovered in Glendale and hospitalized.

Government and infrastructure
In the state legislature, La Crescenta-Montrose is situated in the 25th senate district, represented by Senator Anthony Portantino, and the 44th assembly district, represented by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman. The area is in California's 28th congressional district, represented by Congresswoman Judy Chu.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Crescenta Valley Station in La Crescenta, serving La Crescenta and Montrose.

Crescenta Valley Town Council
The Crescenta Valley Town Council (CVTC) is composed of nine democratically elected councilmembers, each of whom serve three-year terms upon installation. CVTC is currently the Los Angeles County unincorporated area's main advisory body to the county supervisor's office and other governing agencies, as well as an organized institution that is often counted on to facilitate community-wide forums to inform or garner opinion from residents.

Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Glendale Health Center in Glendale, serving La Crescenta and Montrose.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital is a 158-bed nonprofit primary-care facility. It features emergency services, inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities, a family birthing center, and bariatric and orthopedic surgical services.

Media
La Crescenta and the Crescenta Valley area is served by the Crescenta Valley Weekly newspaper and the Glendale News Press.

Transportation
The Amtrak Thruway 19 provides twice daily connections to/from Lowell and Honolulu Avenues to/from Bakersfield to the north, and San Bernardino to the east, with several stops in between.

The closest Amtrak station is in Glendale.

The Metro 90 bus connects La Crescenta to North Hollywood station and downtown Los Angeles.

Points of historical interest
St. Luke's of the Mountains Episcopal Church was designed and built by the famous artist Seymour Thomas in 1924. Constructed of natural stone from the valley, it is reminiscent of a woodlands church in northern Europe. It is considered to be the architectural centerpiece of the valley. St. Luke's is located at 2563 Foothill Boulevard.

Le Mesnager Barn is a stone barn perched high above the valley, built in 1911 by George Le Mesnager, a French patriot, to store and process grapes from his vineyards in the Sparr Heights area. These grapes supplied his Old Hermitage Vineyards in downtown Los Angeles. There is still a Mesnager Street in the downtown area where the winery had been located. It is owned by the City of Glendale, which plans to restore it as an educational nature/history center. Le Mesnager Barn is located in Deukmejian Wilderness Park at the top of Dunsmore Ave.

La Crescenta is home to one of two American ashrams founded by Indian teacher and mystic poet Swami Paramananda who came to America in 1906. Founded in 1923, the Ananda Ashram is located at the top of Pennsylvania Avenue near Deukmejian Wilderness Park.

The La Crescenta Woman's Club began in 1911, incorporated in 1923, and built its clubhouse in 1925. The structure, the social center of the valley for most of the last century, is the home for the organization's many charitable and social events. The La Crescenta Woman's Club is located at 4004 La Crescenta Avenue.

Sparr Heights Community Center was built early in 1922 by William S. Sparr as the real estate office for the Sparr Heights residential tract, originally named Oakmont Park. It was donated to the City of Glendale on December 24, 1922, and has been a community meeting place and senior center since then. Sparr Heights Community Center is located at 1613 Glencoe Way, across the street from John C. Fremont Elementary School.

La Crescenta Elementary School was built in 1887 at the corner of Foothill and Dyer, but soon moved to a new location at La Crescenta and Prospect. A wooden schoolhouse was built on this site in 1890. A larger school building replaced it in 1914, and the present structure was erected in 1948.

The Old School Bell: La Crescenta's school bell first rang students to school from across the valley in 1890. It was placed in storage from 1948 until 1976 when it was re-hung and dedicated with a plaque listing the names of the children in the first class at La Crescenta Elementary. The bell, located in front of La Crescenta Elementary School, is rung once a year in June by the graduating students.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is a striking church building constructed in 1923. This is one of the older congregations in the valley, first meeting in the 1880s. In the congregation's early years, it shared facilities with the elementary school as did the Episcopals that later built St. Luke's. La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is located at 2902 Montrose Avenue.

title: La Crescenta-Montrose, California