Zeeland, Michigan

49464

Zeeland is located in south-central Ottawa County, about half-way between Grand Rapids and Holland. It was originally settled by Dutch colonists from Zeeland Province in the Netherlands: Reverend James Vander Meulen, James Vander Luyster, Jan Steketes and Christian de Herder, who came here in 1847 are considered the town fathers. Zeeland grew during the lumber boom in the mid 1800�s, becoming a station on the Chicago & Western Michigan Railroad, (later Pere Marquette), in 1849. It was incorporated as a village in 1875 and later as a city in 1907.

Zeeland today has become a part of the west Michigan metropolitan area adjacent to Grand Rapids and Holland, with a significant industrial park and diversified business base. It also has retained much of its Dutch tradition, as reflected in its downtown style cityscape and as the home base of a clock factory, Howard Miller.