Welcome to the “Island City”, a place where the bridges of
time come together. From any direction
that you enter our charming hometown, you will cross over the Kalamazoo River
or the Mill Race River to a town with a unique and authentic personality of its
own.
Plainwell began primarily due to the plank toll roads build
between 1852 and 1855 to join Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. These plank roads were used for
transportation of supplies, soldiers, and primarily for the stage lines to run
more smoothly over the early Indian trails.
After the stagelines discontinued their operation, Plainwell remained an
important junction, as there were two major railroad lines, the Lake Shore and
Michigan Southern and the Grand Rapids and Indiana, in use.
Another important factor in the development of Plainwell was
the formation of the Plainwell Water Power Company in 1856. As a result, the millrace was excavated at a
horseshoe bend in the Kalamazoo
River, surrounding the
area with waterways, making the center an island. Plainwell is now often referred to as “The
Island City” because of this.
Today, Plainwell, is a charming
and thriving community. Approximately 3,800 residents call Plainwell home, and
are proud of its unique history and status as a “hometown” where residents hope
to grow up, raise families, and retire.