Mecosta, Michigan AHGP
History and Genealogy
1863 Big Rapids

Big Rapids

A post village and capital of Mecosta county, situated on the Muskegon river, 170 [p.201] miles north-west of Detroit. The village contains two general store, two hotels, a saw mill, flour mill, and a large number of trades. The county buildings are located here, also, a weekly newspaper, the "Mecosta County Pioneer," published weekly, at $1 per year, by C.W. Gay and C. Fuller; C.W. Gay editor. Goods are shipped from Detroit, via the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad to Grand Rapids, thence by wagon, via Newaygo and Big Prairie, to Big Rapids--fare by usual traveled route, from Detroit $6.75.

Two mails are received per week. The Muskegon river at this point furnishes an excellent water power, which is comparatively unimproved. The soil in the vicinity equals in productiveness that of any portion of the State. The surface of the county is rolling, and mostly covered with heavy timber. Population 300. Postmaster--Ceylon C. Fuller.