Plymouth, Michigan

City in Michigan, United States

Plymouth, Michigan

City

City of Plymouth

Old Village along Liberty Street

Motto:

The village of homes[1]

Location within Wayne County

Plymouth

Location within the state of Michigan

Show map of Michigan

Plymouth

Location within the United States

Show map of the United States

Coordinates: 42°22′17″N 83°28′14″W﻿ / ﻿42.37139°N 83.47056°W﻿ / 42.37139; -83.47056
Country|  United States
State|  Michigan
County| Wayne
Settled| 1825
Incorporated| 1867 (village)
1932 (city)
Government

• Type| Council–manager
• Mayor| Suzi Deal
• Manager| Paul Sincock
Area

[2]

• City

| 2.22 sq mi (5.76 km2)
• Land| 2.21 sq mi (5.73 km2)
• Water| 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)  0.45%
Elevation

| 725 ft (221 m)
Population

(2020)[3]

• City

| 9,370

• Estimate

(2021)[4]

| 9,313
• Density| 4,235.99/sq mi (1,635.61/km2)
• Metro

| 4,365,205 (Metro Detroit)
Time zone| UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)| UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)|

48170

Area code| 734
FIPS code| 26-65060[5]
GNIS feature ID| 0635148[6]
Website| plymouthmi.gov

Plymouth is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A western suburb of Detroit, Plymouth is located roughly 27 miles (43.5 km) northwest of downtown Detroit, and 18 miles (29.0 km) northeast of Ann Arbor. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 9,370.[3] It is surrounded by, but independent of, Plymouth Township.[7]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.22 square miles (5.75 km2), of which 2.21 square miles (5.72 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.[8] It is located just south of the M-14 highway and west of Interstate 275.

## Culture

[edit]

Plymouth has a variety of shops, restaurants, and other cultural activities.

Plymouth Ice Festival, 2010

The Plymouth Ice Spectacular, the largest ice carving festival in North America, is held every year in Plymouth in late January. Founded in 1982 by then 25-year-old Scott Lorenz,[9] the weekend-long event draws an average of 500,000 people to Plymouth each year and has helped establish ice carving as a world-class competitive event.[10][11]

Since 2008, Plymouth has been home to the Green Street Fair, held over a weekend each May. Featuring green-themed exhibitors and activities, the event has become a yearly tradition.[12] In 2011, the event was attended by about 90,000 visitors.[13]

Plymouth's "Art in the Park" is an art fair held annually since 1980.[14]

## History

[edit]

Plymouth was first settled in 1825, incorporated as a village in 1867, and became a city in 1932.

### Foundation

[edit]

In 1825, Luther Lincoln was granted two land patents in what is now Plymouth by the federal government. Lincoln built his place of business, his saw mill, and abode, near the eastern boundary of his land, along the Rouge River. His actual abode and saw mill was always outside the city limits.[15] Another early settler was William Starkweather. William and his wife Keziah brought their firstborn son Albert to the area and built the first home in Plymouth, at what is now the southwest corner of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail. The first home was a lean-to, and was later replaced by a log cabin, which has since been destroyed.[16]

### Growth

[edit]

In 1831, William Starkweather sold his land in downtown Plymouth and in 1831 purchased an 80-acre (320,000 m2) parcel of land in what was then called "North Village" (now called "The Historic Old Village"). In 1844, William died and the land in Old Village was then passed to William's son, George A Starkweather. George felt that the railroad coming to North Village would give it a commercial advantage over the Kellogg Park area. In the 1860s, he convinced the Detroit and Howell Railroad Company to build through the town. Starkweather was responsible for cutting Oak Street North through his farm in order to reach his new store and the train station. After his death in 1907, Oak Street was renamed Starkweather in his honor.[17]

Notable streets in Plymouth are named after some Starkweather family members, including Blanche (after Blanche Starkweather, daughter of George Starkweather), Karmada (after the grandchildren of George Starkweather – Karl, Max and Davis), Davis – after Davis B Hillmer – youngest grandson of George Starkweather, Starkweather (formerly Oak Street), Amelia (after Lydia Amelia Heywood – Davis - Starkweather) – George Starkweather's wife, and Rose – after Rose Hillmer, eldest grand daughter of George Starkweather. Starkweather Elementary School was named after George Anson Starkweather of Plymouth, which was converted to an adult education center.[18][19]

Daisy Manufacturing Company, now Daisy Outdoor Products, started in 1882 in Plymouth as the Plymouth Iron Windmill Company. In 1886 Plymouth inventor Clarence Hamilton introduced a new idea to the windmill company. It was a combination of metal and wire, vaguely resembling a gun that could fire a lead ball using compressed air. Lewis Cass Hough, then president of the firm, gave it a try and, after his first shot, enthusiastically exclaimed, "Boy, that's a daisy!" The name stuck, and the BB gun went into production as a premium item given to farmers when they purchased a windmill. The gun was such a huge success that Plymouth Iron Windmill soon began manufacturing the Daisy BB gun in place of windmills. On January 26, 1895, the company's board of directors officially voted to change the name to Daisy Manufacturing Company, Inc.[20][21]

### Recent history

[edit]

Much to the dismay of Plymouth residents, Daisy moved its corporate offices and manufacturing facilities from Plymouth to Rogers, Arkansas in 1958.

In 2003 the former Daisy factory was converted to Daisy Square Condominiums despite being situated next to an active freight rail line. The front wall of the Daisy factory was left standing to be built into the apartment building.[22] The wall has since been demolished.[23]

In 2009 Plymouth Township was named 28th Best Place to Live in the United States by CNN Money Magazine.[24]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1860| 820| | —
1870| 969| | 18.2%
1880| 1,025| | 5.8%
1890| 1,172| | 14.3%
1900| 1,474| | 25.8%
1910| 1,671| | 13.4%
1920| 2,857| | 71.0%
1930| 4,484| | 56.9%
1940| 5,360| | 19.5%
1950| 6,637| | 23.8%
1960| 8,766| | 32.1%
1970| 11,758| | 34.1%
1980| 9,986| | −15.1%
1990| 9,560| | −4.3%
2000| 9,022| | −5.6%
2010| 9,132| | 1.2%
2020| 9,370| | 2.6%
2021 (est.)| 9,313| [4]| −0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[25]
2020 Census[3]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2010, there were 9,132 people, 4,314 households, and 2,218 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,132.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,595.4/km2). There were 4,652 housing units at an average density of 2,105.0 per square mile (812.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 1.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 4,314 households, of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.6% were non-families. 42.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 39.2 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.8% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,022 people, 4,322 households, and 2,277 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,048.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,563.2/km2). There were 4,498 housing units at an average density of 2,018.4 per square mile (779.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.42% White, 0.57% African American, 0.35% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population. 20.4% were of German, 13.2% Irish, 12.4% English, 10.7% Polish and 7.9% Italian ancestry.

There were 4,322 households, of which 22.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.3% were non-families. 41.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 37.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,535, and the median income for a family was $76,369. Males had a median income of $52,188 versus $37,113 for females. The per capita income for the city was $33,222. About 1.9% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

## Government and infrastructure

[edit]

Plymouth City Hall

In 1995, the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township consolidated their fire departments with the township controlling fire services. The township receives $1 million from the city, making up 25% of the consolidated fire department's budget.[26]

## Schools

[edit]

### Primary and secondary

[edit]

Starkweather School

The Plymouth-Canton Community School District consists of three high schools, five middle schools, and sixteen elementary schools. The district has the only educational park in Michigan, the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (P-CEP).

Other schools:

* Spiritus Sanctus Academy Catholic School (private)
* New Morning School (private)
* Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School (private)
* Ivywood Classical Academy (public/charter)

### Colleges and universities

[edit]

Plymouth is home to a campus of Moody Bible Institute. While the campus offers an option for an undergraduate degree completion program, the majority of the programs offered fall under Moody's Theological Seminary and Graduate School. Graduate certificates, master's and doctoral degrees focus on Bible, theology, and practical ministry training. In addition, they offer programs in counseling psychology and clinical mental health counseling. The Mayhew Graduate Library on the campus is widely known as a premiere theological library for the school and community.

## Notable people

[edit]

This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2007) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

* Edward Samuel Corwin, author and former president of the American Political Science Association
* Margaret Dunning, philanthropist
* Ron Egloff, NFL football player[27]
* Kathryn O. Galbraith[28]
* Tom Hulce, actor
* Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end for the Detroit Lions, former player for Michigan
* Jackie Johnson, television weather forecaster
* Russell Kirk, political theorist, influential of American conservatism
* Mel Larson, racing driver
* Jeremy Porter, musician
* Alex Shelley, professional wrestler
* Rufus Thayer, Judge of the United States Court for China
* Paul Warren, musician

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Bower, Helan (October 26, 1931). "Plymouth slogan town of homes". Detroit Free Press. p. 4 - via Newspapers.com.
2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
3. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
4. ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". United States Census Bureau. September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
5. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
6. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Plymouth, Michigan
7. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2011.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
8. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
9. ^ "Ludington Daily News - Google News Archive Search".
10. ^ "Plymouth Ice Festival". inmetrodetroit.com.
11. ^ "Plymouthice.com".
12. ^ McKay, John (April 27, 2012). "Green Street Fair Marks Fifth Anniversary in Downtown Plymouth". Plymouth-Canton Patch. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
13. ^ Mourtos, Stacy. "Green Street Fair in Downtown Plymouth". Metro Parent. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
14. ^ "Plymouth Art in the Park". Michigan Festival and Events Association. Archived from the original on August 3, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
15. ^ "History". www.plymouthmi.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
16. ^ "History". The Starkweather Family Journal: 1825~. October 17, 2009. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
17. ^ "History". www.plymouthmi.gov/. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
18. ^ Dauzet-Miller, Leis (2013). Legendary Locals of Plymouth. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4671-0037-3.
19. ^ Hudson, Samuel (1976). The Story of Plymouth, Michigan: A Midwest Microcosm. Plymouth Historical Society.
20. ^ "About Us". Daisy. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
21. ^ "Daisy Museum". www.daisymuseum.com. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
22. ^ "Grand Opening of Daisy Square Lofts and Townhome Models in Downtown Plymouth, Michigan June 12–13 - Historical Exhibits of the Daisy Air Rifle and Open House Viewings of Daisy Square Lofts and Town Homes Are Planned". PRWeb. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
23. ^ Newspapers, Associated (November 22, 2013). "Demolition of 'Daisy' wall makes way for new condominiums". Plymouth Voice. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
24. ^ "Best Places to Live 2009". CNN. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
25. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
26. ^ Feighan, Maureen. "Obstacles curb cities' plans to merge services" (Archive). Detroit News. April 3, 2009. Retrieved on December 3, 2015.
27. ^ "databaseFootball.com The Largest Football Statistics and History Database Online". Archived from the original on April 11, 2016.
28. ^ "Kathryn O. Galbraith (1945-)." Something About the Author, vol. 347, Gale, 2019, pp. 88-91. Gale Literature: Something About the Author. Accessed 5 May 2023.

## Bibliography

[edit]

* Hillmer, Mary K. Starkweather. My People: Some Ancestors of the Starkweather – Heywood – Hillmer Family From Earliest Known Beginnings to 1948.
* Hudson, Samuel. The Story of Plymouth, Michigan: A Midwest Microcosm. Plymouth, Mich.: Plymouth Historical Society, 1976.
* Kerstens, Elizabeth Kelley. Plymouth's First Century: Innovators and Industry. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing, 2002.
* Kerstens, Elizabeth Kelley. Plymouth in Vintage Postcards. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing, 2003.
* Starkweather, Carlton Lee. A brief genealogical history of Robert Starkweather of Roxbury and Ipswich. Auburn, N.Y.: Knapp, Peck and Thomson, 1904.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Plymouth, Michigan.

* City of Plymouth official website
* The Historic Old Village
* Plymouth Historical Museum
* Plymouth Downtown Development Authority

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Wayne County, Michigan, United States

County seat: Detroit

Cities|

* Allen Park
* Belleville
* Dearborn
* Dearborn Heights
* Detroit
* Ecorse
* Flat Rock‡
* Garden City
* Gibraltar
* Grosse Pointe
* Grosse Pointe Farms
* Grosse Pointe Park
* Grosse Pointe Shores‡
* Grosse Pointe Woods
* Hamtramck
* Harper Woods
* Highland Park
* Inkster
* Lincoln Park
* Livonia
* Melvindale
* Northville‡
* Plymouth
* River Rouge
* Riverview
* Rockwood
* Romulus
* Southgate
* Taylor
* Trenton
* Wayne
* Westland
* Woodhaven
* Wyandotte

Map of Michigan highlighting Wayne County

Charter townships|

* Brownstown
* Canton
* Huron
* Northville
* Plymouth
* Redford
* Van Buren

Civil townships|

* Grosse Ile
* Sumpter

Unincorporated
communities|

* Beech
* Belleville North
* Canton
* Cherry Hill
* Cherry Island
* Denton
* East Rockwood
* Edgewater Heights
* French Landing
* Grand View Acres
* Grosse Ile
* Maple Beach
* Martinsville
* Milleville Beach
* New Boston
* Rawsonville‡
* Redford
* Roulo
* Sheldon
* Waltz
* West Sumpter
* Willow

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* Michigan portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

Shopping malls and districts in metropolitan Detroit

Enclosed
shopping malls|

* Briarwood Mall
* Fairlane Town Center
* Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
* Laurel Park Place
* Macomb Mall
* The Mall of Monroe
* Oakland Mall
* Renaissance Center
* Somerset Collection
* Southland Center
* Twelve Oaks Mall
* Westland Center

Open-air
centers|

* Green Oak Village Place
* The Mall at Partridge Creek
* Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk
* The Village of Rochester Hills

Street-side
shopping districts|

* Greektown (Monroe St.)
* Lower Woodward (Merchant's Row)
* Eastern Market (Russell St.)
* Grosse Pointe (The Village on Kercheval Ave.)
* Birmingham (Old Woodward Ave.)
* Royal Oak (Main St.)
* Rochester (Main St.)
* Northville (Main St.)
* Plymouth (Main St.)
* Dearborn (Michigan Ave.)
* Wayne (Michigan Ave.)
* Wyandotte (Biddle Ave.)
* Belleville (Downtown on the Lake on Main St.)

Strip and power centers|

* Arborland Center
* Brighton Mall
* Fairlane Green
* Gateway Marketplace
* Livonia Marketplace
* Novi Town Center
* Southgate Shopping Center
* Tel-Twelve Mall
* Universal Mall
* Wonderland Village

Defunct|

* Eastland Center
* Great Oaks Mall
* Lincoln Park Shopping Center
* Livonia Mall
* Lakeside Mall
* Northland Center
* Summit Place Mall
* Meadowbrook Village Mall
* Winchester Mall
* Wonderland Mall

Cancelled|

* Pavilions of Troy

See also: Tourism in metropolitan Detroit

Portal:

* Michigan

Authority control databases

International|

* FAST

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Czech Republic

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

*[Pop.]: Population
*[%±]: Percent change
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template