Situated east of Flint, the City of Lapeer, Michigan is the county seat of Lapeer County.
The South Branch of the Flint River, Hunters Creek, Farmers Creek, and the May and White Drain flow through the city, and Pass Lake is situated mostly within the southern part of the city.
The chief routes to and through the city include I-69, which passes through the southern portion of the city, and M-24, which runs mostly north-south through the city center. Others include Baldwin Road, Bowers Road, Davison Road, Imlay City Road, Lake Nepessing Road, Millville Road, and Oregon Road.
Cities and villages within twenty miles of Lapeer include Metamora, Columbiaville, Davison, Imlay City, Oxford, Dryden, Otter Lake, North Branch, Otisville, Goodrich, Ortonville, Burton, and Flint.
The area that includes what is now Lapeer was organized as the Northwest Territory in 1787, although it was still occupied by the British at that time. When Oakland County was formed in January of 1820, the area was part of that county until Lapeer County was formed in 1837.
Although French traders had been through the area previously, the village that became Lapeer developed around a site where Alvin N. Hart settled on November 11, 1831. As the settlement grew, it was named for the stone that lay along the bottom of the Flint River, as "la pierre" is French for "stone."
The Pontiac Mill Company constructed a sawmill on Farmers Creek in 1831.
The townsite was platted by Alvin N. Hart on November 8, 1833, and registered the following month. In 1843, Hart became a State Senator, representing Lapeer, Oakland, Genesee, Shiawassee, Tuscola, and Saginaw counties, as well as the entire Upper Peninsula.
Also arriving in 1833, Enoch J. White came to the area from Massachusetts, settling in an area west of Hart's property, separated from it by a tamarack swamp. On July 3, 1833, a post office was opened in the settlement that grew up around White's home, taking the name of Lapeer, with Dr. Minor Y. Turrill as postmaster. White platted a village that he named Whitesville in 1834, and the post office was renamed Whitesville on January 11, 1834. In 1836, Whitesville was replatted and renamed Lapeer, and the post office was renamed Lapeer on May 3 of that year.
In 1836, Lapeer was designated as the county seat. At one time, there were two county courthouses, as the White family built one at the current site of the Old Lapeer High School at Main and Genesee Streets, while the Hart family built on one at Nepessing and Court Streets. Purchased by the county in 1858, the Hart courthouse is now the oldest continuously operating courthouse in Michigan, and one of the oldest in the country.
The Michigan Central Railroad's Detroit to Bay City line crossed the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's main line from Port Huron to Flint within the city limits. The Grand Trunk Railroad was the first to come to Lapeer in late 1871, while the Detroit & Bay City line was built in the fall of 1872. Now owned by Canadian National, the Grand Trunk Western line remains active today, offering daily Amtrak service.
Incorporated as a village in 1857, Lapeer became a city in 1869. It is in what is known as the Thumb Region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
The focal point of this portion of our guide is on the city of Lapeer, Michigan. As such, online resources representing the municipal or county governments, as well as any businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, or sporting or recreational opportunities are appropriate topics for this category.
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Faith & SpiritualityServices & Industries |
Recommended Resources
Animal Medical Center of Lapeer
Originally established as Fohey Veterinary Hospital in the early 1940s, the facility is located on Oak Street in Lapeer, Michigan. Its location is shown on a map, and its telephone and fax numbers, email addresses, appointment policies, and hours of operation are published on the site. Its services are defined, and a new client form, payment options, and information and contacts for emergency veterinary clinics in Lapeer are included. An appointment form and contact form are available.
https://amclapeer.com/
Historic Farmers Market of Lapeer
In downtown Lapeer, Michigan, the products available at the farmers' market may vary from time to time, but can be expected to include fresh produce, plants, flowers, herbs, perennials, farm-fresh eggs, honey, and maple syrup, as well as a selection of Michigan-made products that may include jams, jellies, hand-sifted spices, bread and other baked goods, natural gemstone jewelry, hand-made bar soap, and others. A list of sponsors, volunteer opportunities, location, and times are featured.
http://www.historicfarmersmarketoflapeer.com/
Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault
LACADA offers free confidential support to victims of assault, designed to help them live a life free from violence. The non-profit organization is active throughout the county, providing safe shelters and supportive services. Its mission and general information about domestic violence are set forth, including statistics, an overview of its programs and services, employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities, a calendar of events, and contact information.
https://lacada.org/
The artist cooperative offers eight exhibits annually at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer, Michigan. Membership is available for local artists at all levels, professional and amateur. Member artists are highlighted on its artist's page, and membership information is available on the site. A calendar of exhibitions and other events is set forth, including a schedule and information about its summer art camp, classes and workshops, contacts, a photo gallery, and a shopping area.
http://www.lapeerart.org/
Enrolling children in E5/K-12th-grade, the public school district in Lapeer, Michigan operates several campuses, including Kids & Company Preschool & Childcare, Lynch Elementary, Murphy Elementary, Schickler Elementary, Turrill Year-Round Elementary, Rolland-Warner 6-7 Campus, Zemmer 8-9 Campus, Center for Innovation, and Lapeer High School, as well as the Lapeer Virtual Partnership, each of which is featured here, with schedules, contacts, policy information, and maps.
http://www.lapeerschools.org/
The group began as the New County Players in 1991, and took its current name in 1993. Its mission statement, a brief history, and an archive of past shows are set forth, information and schedules for auditions are posted, and its mailing address, phone number, and email address are noted. Current season shows are highlighted, with descriptions, performance dates, and schedules. A schedule of upcoming events, social media links, and links to other theater-related sites are included.
http://www.lapeerplays.com/
Organized in 1835, Lapeer County is one of the five counties that are part of the Thumb Region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and its county seat is Lapeer. The official county website lists the board of county commissioners, and posts commission meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes, as well as contacts and hours for various county departments, and courts. A guide to local governments, county services, and civic organizations are set forth. Office hours and contacts are posted on the site.
https://lapeercountyweb.org/
Held in downtown Lapeer, Michigan, the free festival has its origins in the 1902 grand opening of Bostick Stove Works. Sponsored by the Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce, the multi-day event may differ somewhat from year to year, but might be expected to include a parade, pageant, arts and crafts, a car show, and a soapbox derby. A schedule of events is set forth, along with vendor information, a list of sponsors, and access to various forms, applications, and other documentation.
https://lapeerdays.com/
Lapeer Development Corporation
Established in 1981, LDC is a community-based, non-profit economic development organization that leads and coordinates economic development throughout Lapeer County, and connects with federal, state, and local governments and businesses interested in locating or expanding within the county, as well as acting as a liaison between the public and private sectors. Its staff, board of directors, investors, and partners are identified, and various reports and studies may be viewed on the site.
http://www.lapeerdevelopment.com/
Situated on Roods Lake Road in Lapeer, Michigan, about ten miles north of the intersection of M-21 and M-24, the auto race track is a member of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). Its schedules, a calendar of events, pricing, rules, and an online registration process are available, along with printable track rental prices. Other resources include track news and updates, videos, photographs, weather information, racing fuels, a map showing its location, and a contact form.
http://www.lapeerinternationaldragway.com/
The civil township includes the city of Lapeer and the unincorporated community of Hunters Creek. The general law township was established in 1787, and its offices are in the city of Lapeer. Its departments, elected officials, and administrative officials are posted, and an overview of the township cemetery, recreation facilities, and hall rental policies are posted, and various forms, documents, and maps are available on the site. Job opportunities and announcements are posted.
https://www.lapeertwp.org/
Offering several selections of floor plans for one-bed and two-bed apartments, the floor plans may be viewed online, along with a video tour, a 3D video tour, starting rental costs, and a gallery of photographs showing the grounds, common areas, and some of the available apartment units. Contacts and a list of amenities are posted, clients are encouraged to complete ratings and reviews, and the reviews may be viewed online. Residents may pay rent or submit maintenance requests online.
https://www.lapeervillasapartments.com/
Situated next to the railroad tracks in Lapeer, Michigan, the restaurant features fresh house-made products, such as smoked ribs, pizza, salads, custom burgers, seafood, and a large selection of side dishes. Its location, telephone, and fax numbers, and email address are posted on the site, along with its hours of operation, and menu. The restaurant also has a loyalty program for regular customers. An overview of the programs, its rules and regulations, and online signup are available.
https://www.sidetracksbar.com/
