The City of Galesburg, Michigan is in Kalamazoo County, roughly equidistant from the cities of Kalamazoo to the west, and Battle Creek to the east, each of which are about ten miles away. The Kalamazoo River forms the city's southern boundary.
Although administered separately, Galesburg spans Comstock and Charleston townships. M-96 passes through the city's downtown district, and I-94 is just south of Galesburg, with exits south of the city's west side and about one mile to the east. Besides Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, other nearby cities and villages include Augusta, Climax, Richland, Parchment, Springfield, Portage, Vicksburg, and Plainwell.
Galesburg first appears on a census report in 1870, when it had a population of 140. By 1890, it had grown to 702. After that, it had a couple of decades of a slight decline, but the only other time in its history that it has declined was in 1970 when it lost 3.9% of its population. In 2010, the city's population was 2,009. While not a large town, Galesburg has shown steady growth throughout its history.
Galesburg was founded in 1835 by George L. Gale, a Vermont lawyer. Although others were there before him, felling trees and building homes as early as 1829, Gale is credited as being the community's founder largely because of his fervent promotion. Although unable to follow through on his dreams, Gale's vision for the new town was high. When he platted a village, he included an area large enough to support a population of forty thousand.
Reportedly, he hired men to build a mill race, diverting part of Gull Creek to the Kalamazoo River to power a mill that was promised to be built. When they became aware that Gale lacked the funds to pay them, the work stopped. After a few years, Gale moved away and filed for bankruptcy in 1842.
When Gale platted the town, he did not name it for himself. He named it Morton, in honor of John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
A post office was established on January 15, 1836, with Nathaniel Cothren as the first postmaster. A second plat of the village was done by F.J. Littlejohn in 1837 and, that year, the town voted to change the name of the village to Galesburg. On May 2, 1838, the post office changed its name, as well, although it was first spelled Galesburgh. Galesburg was incorporated as a village in 1861, and as a city in 1931.
Appropriate topics for this guide include online resources representing the municipal government, or any individuals, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, or events within the city.
Recommended Resources
The official municipal website posts information and forms for obtaining building permits, tax information, the city charter, property forms, ordinances, and access to various reports and other documents. City council members and commissions are introduced, meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and live-streaming of meetings, are posted to the site, which also includes public notices, maps, downtown development projects, and a business directory. Office hours and contacts are included.
https://www.galesburgcity.org/
Offering a wide range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services, such as cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, root canal treatment, dentures and partials, tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, and dental emergencies, the dental office serves the Galesburg, Michigan community. Visitors to the site can learn about appointments and payment options, find answers to frequently asked questions, and download patient forms. Patient testimonials and dental videos are featured.
http://www.galesburgdc.com/
The Galesburg, Michigan race track is a quarter-mile semi-banked asphalt oval with a figure-eight race track. Directions and contacts are posted, and an annual schedule of events is published, which includes fees for children, adults, and pit passes, as well as any applicable discounts. Template late model, street stocks, Outlaw FWD, and Burg stocks standings are included, and driver registration, pit spot rules and regulations, and its points system are posted, along with rules and payouts.
https://galesburgspeedway.com/
Galesburg United Church of Christ
The UCC congregation in Galesburg, Michigan was founded on a local farm in 1832, and chartered in 1835. Its current church structure was built in 1861 and is registered as a State registered historic site. A description of its worship services is provided for those who are new, its mission statement is posted, along with a statement of faith. Its ministries to children, youth, foreign mission support, and outreach activities are included. Office hours, contacts, and schedules are posted.
https://galesburg-ucc.org/
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
The public school district was created in 1951 to serve the city of Galesburg, as well as the village of Augusta. The district offers a K-12 curriculum through Galesburg-Augusta Primary School in Galesburg, Galesburg-Augusta Middle School in Augusta, and Galesburg-Augusta High School in Galesburg, each of which is highlighted here, with calendars of events, daily announcements, and contacts. Parent and staff resources and employment opportunities are posted.
https://www.g-aschools.org/
Featuring a 27-hole golf course, Hickory Ridge includes a few courses to choose from, with red being its most difficult, white being medium difficulty, blue an easier course for beginners, and a practice facility and driving range. The course is described, along with information about the facility's golf lessons, its pro shop, and a calendar of events. Its rates and special offers are featured, with information about membership levels, testimonials, and a gallery of photographs.
https://golfhickoryridgemi.com/
Located inside of the Great Lakes General Store in Galesburg, Michigan, the Rock Shop features case after case of minerals, crystals, gems, fossils, and other items, such as sterling silver and gold jewelry, salt lamps, incense, aromatherapy supplies, playing cards, tumblers, tapestries, and books. The store also hosts live shows and offers classes on rock and mineral collecting. Its location, hours of operation, policy information, telephone number, and a contact form are available.
https://www.rockhoundrockshop.com/
