Battle Creek is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, in northwest Calhoun County, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek rivers. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses all of Calhoun County. As of the 2020 census, the city had a sum population of 52,731. Nicknamed "Cereal City", it is best known as the house of the Kellogg Company and the founding city of Post Consumer Brands.
One local legend says Battle Creek was named after an fighting between a federal government home survey party led by Colonel John Mullett and two Potawatomi in March 1824. The two Potawatomi had approached the camp asking for food because they were hungry as the US Army was late delivering supplies promised to them below the 1821 Treaty of Chicago. After a protracted discussion, the Native Americans allegedly tried to take food. One of the surveyors shot and seriously wounded one Potawatomi. Following the encounter, the survey party retreated to Detroit. Surveyors would not return to the area until June 1825, after Governor Lewis Cass had fixed issues in imitation of the Native Americans. Early white settlers called the user-friendly stream Battle Creek River and the town took its proclaim from that.
Another folk etymology is ascribed to the local river, which was known as Waupakisco by Native Americans. The Waupakisco or Waupokisco was supposedly a insinuation to a fight or battle fought between original tribes back the initiation of Europeans. However, Virgil J. Vogel, professor emeritus of records and social science at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago, believes the native name has "nothing to accomplish with blood or battle".
In approximately 1774, the Potawatomi and the Ottawa Native American tribes formed a joint village close the vanguard Battle Creek, Michigan. The first unshakable European settlements in Battle Creek Township, after the removal of the Potawatomi to a reservation, began nearly 1831. Westward migration from New York and New England had increased to Michigan in the same way as the deed of the Erie Canal in New York in 1824. Most settlers chose to locate on the Goguac prairie, which was fertile and easily cultivated. A reveal office was opened in Battle Creek in 1832 below Postmaster Pollodore Hudson. The first literary was taught in a little log home about 1833 or 1834. Asa Langley built the first sawmill in 1837. A brick manufacturing plant, called the oldest enterprise in the township, was usual in 1840 by Simon Carr and operated until 1903. The township was expected by stroke of the legislature in 1839.
In the antebellum era, the city was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, used by fugitive slaves to run away to freedom in Michigan and Canada. It was the chosen house of noted abolitionist Sojourner Truth after her break out from slavery.
Battle Creek figured prominently in the yet to be history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was the site of a Protestant church founding convention in 1863. The denomination's first hospital, college, and publishing office would in addition to be constructed in the city. When the hospital and publishing office burned alongside in 1902, the church elected to decentralize, and most of its institutions were relocated. The first Adventist church (rebuilt in the 1920s) is still in operation.
World Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson was subsequent to arrested here for marrying his White wife and transporting her across divulge lines. He was detained in Battle Creek, where he visited a former acquaintance, went for a sleigh ride and spent the night at the house of patrolman John Patterson, Battle Creek's first African American police officer. Federal authorities from Chicago took him into custody the neighboring day.
The city was noted for its focus on health reform during the late 1800s and to the fore 1900s. The Battle Creek Sanitarium was founded by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. In complement to some of his sometimes bizarre treatments that were featured in the movie The Road to Wellville, Kellogg along with funded organizations that promoted eugenics theories at the core of their philosophical agenda, which was seen as a natural auxiliary to euthenics. The Race Betterment Foundation was one of these organizations. He moreover supported the "separate but equal" philosophy and invited Booker T. Washington to talk at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in order to raise money. Washington was the author of the speech "The Atlanta Compromise", which solidified his face of brute an accommodationist even if providing a mechanism for southern Whites (and their sympathizers), to fund his school (the Tuskegee Institute).
W. K. Kellogg had worked for his brother in a variety of capacities at the B.C. Sanitarium. Tired of busy in the shadow of his brother John Harvey Kellogg, he struck out upon his own, going to the boom-towns surrounding the oilfields in Oklahoma as a broom salesman. Having failed, he returned to work as an co-conspirator to his brother. While dynamic at the sanitariums' laboratory, W.K. spilled liquefied cornmeal on a heating device that cooked the product and rendered it to flakes. He tasted the flakes and supplementary milk to them. He was competent to gain his brother to permit him to meet the expense of some of the product to some of the patients at the sanitarium, and the patients' demand for the product exceeded his expectations to the reduction that W.K made the decision to leave the sanitarium. Along in imitation of some investors, he built a factory to satisfy the demand for his "corn flakes".
It was during this grow old of going their sever ways for good that Dr. John Harvey Kellogg sued his brother for copyright infringement. The U.S. Supreme court ruled in W.K. Kellogg's favor, due to the greater sales and public profile of W.K. Kellogg's company.
Inspired by Kellogg's innovation, C. W. Post invented Grape-Nuts and founded his own cereal company in the town. Battle Creek has been nicknamed "the Cereal City."
In the turbulent 1960s, Battle Creek was not immune to the racial issues of the day. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke here, as did Sen. Hubert Humphrey, President L.B. Johnson, and Heavyweight Champion of the world Muhammad Ali. African Americans were subjected to "stop and frisk" procedures even if walking, and housing covenants were in full force. No Blacks worked in the intellectual systems, and isolated a few Blacks held mid-level superintendent posts in the local corporate sector. The Federal government sector was augmented at the Federal Center, and less appropriately at the local Veterans' Administration Hospital.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total Place of 43.73 square miles (113.26 km), of which 42.61 square miles (110.36 km2) is house and 1.12 square miles (2.90 km) is water, making Battle Creek the third largest city in Michigan by area, and one of forlorn three incorporated municipalities in the state more than 40 sq mi (100 km) in size.
In 1982, at the insistence of the Kellogg Company, the city annexed Battle Creek Township, nearly doubling the city's population. Kellogg's even went in view of that far as to threaten to change their headquarters if the annexation unsuccessful to occur.
As of the census of 2000, there were 53,364 people, 21,348 households, and 13,363 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,246.0 inhabitants per square mile (481.1/km2). There were 23,525 housing units at an average density of 549.3 per square mile (212.1/km). The racial makeup of the city was 74.7% White, 17.8% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, 0.8% Native American, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from additional races, and 2.7% from two or more races. 4.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
In the 21,348 households 32.3% had kids under the age of 18 living past them, 41.9% were married couples thriving together, 16.1% had a female householder later no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.6% of anything households were made going on of individuals, and 12.1% had someone active alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average relatives size was 3.04.
In the city, 27.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For all 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For all 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
The median allowance for a household in the city was $35,491, and the median pension for a intimates was $43,564. Males had a median allowance of $36,838 versus $26,429 for females. The per capita pension for the city was $18,424. About 10.7% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
As of the census of 2010, there were 52,347 people, 21,118 households, and 12,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,228.5 inhabitants per square mile (474.3/km2). There were 24,277 housing units at an average density of 569.7 per square mile (220.0/km). The racial makeup of the city was 71.7% White, 18.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 2.7% from additional races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.7% of the population.
In the 21,118 households 33.6% had kids under the age of 18 living gone them, 37.1% were married couples vibrant together, 18.5% had a female householder subsequently no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 32.6% of whatever households were made happening of individuals, and 12.1% had someone animate alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average relatives size was 3.04.
The median age in the city was 36.3 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were surrounded by the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
As of April 2013, Battle Creek had the fifth largest Japanese national population in the declare of Michigan, with 358.
Nick Buckley wrote in the Battle Creek Enquirer: "The 2020 Census is vital for Battle Creek. Falling below the 50,000-resident threshold would goal a correct from "urbanized area" to "urban cluster" and a loss of federal entitlement funding." Between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, Battle Creek's population grew from 52,347 to 52,731. There were 20,690 households and 2.40 residents per house, giving Battle Creek a population density (per square mile) of 1,228.6. 89.0% of those households had a computer and 82.8% had broadband internet connection. The city's racial makeup was 68.2% White, 17.3% African American, .6% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 8.1% from two or more races, and 7.9% Hispanic or Latino.
The median age in the city was 36.3 years. 7.0% of residents were below the age of 5; 25.8% were under 18; 15.2% were 65 and older. 51.5% of residents were female and 6.6% were foreign-born. 10.8% of people ages 5 and up speak at least one language other than English at home. Of persons 25 and up, 89.9% had a tall school degree and 21.1% had a bachelor's degree or higher. Of those under 65, 11.2% had a disability and 6.1% lacked health insurance.
Median household allowance in 2020 dollars was $42,285, which works out to a $25,270 per capita income. 22.7% of the population lives in poverty. Median terrifying rent was $770 and the median value of the houses occupied by people who owned them was $91,700.
The City of Battle Creek has a commission-manager form of government. Cities that follow this want of admin have an elected commission (or council) that appoints a professionally trained and experienced bureaucrat to administer the day-to-day operations of the city and to make recommendations to the city commission. Battle Creek moreover appoints a City Attorney, who provides authentic counsel to the city supervisor and City Commission.
The City Commission makes anything policy decisions, including review, revision, and fixed idea approval of the annual budget, which is proposed annually by the City Manager. The City Manager serves as an "at-will" employee and they work under an employment contract bearing in mind the commission. All extra city employees, except for the City Attorney's staff, are under the doling out of the City Manager.
There are five ward commissioners. Residents cast votes for a ward representative, who must sentient within the area they are representing, as with ease as for four at-large commissioners. These candidates may bring to life anywhere in the city. All commissioners assist two-year terms and all terms begin and terminate at the same election.
Before November 2020, the commission held a special meeting to believe to be which commissioners served as the mayor and vice mayor for the neighboring year. In March 2020, Battle Creek residents voted upon a proposal that would fine-tune how the city selects its mayor position. This proposal (which passed) amended the city charter to permit residents to directly vote for the mayor. Residents will be practiced to vote for the mayor starting in the November 2020 general election. The mayor presides more than the commission meetings and appoints commissioners and residents to special committees. He may also form special committees to explore community challenges or potential policies. The vice mayor stands in if the mayor is unavailable.
The city levies an allowance tax of 1 percent on residents and 0.5 percent upon nonresidents.
According to the Battle Creek Unlimited October 2020 update, the thirty largest employers in the city are:
The Battle Creek Japanese School (バトルクリーク補習授業校 Batoru Kurīku Hoshū Jugyō Kō), a additional weekend Japanese school, holds its classes at the Lakeview School District building.
In 1980 the Western Michigan University Center for International Programs developed a program for Japanese expatriate K-12 students that was sponsored by Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU); the classes were held in the company gift at Fort Custer Industrial Park.
FM radio stations that originate or can be heard higher than the air in Battle Creek:
AM radio stations that originate or can be heard beyond the let breathe in Battle Creek:
Battle Creek is house to the Music Center, which serves South Central Michigan.
The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra is based at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium in downtown Battle Creek. The symphony is conducted by Anne Harrigan. It is Michigan's longest-running symphony orchestra.
The Brass Band of Battle Creek is composed of 31 brass players and percussionists from not far away off from the United States and Europe. "Created in 1989 by brothers Jim and Bill Gray, podiatrists and amateur brass players from Battle Creek, MI, the BBBC has grown to cult status in Battle Creek, where BBBC concerts are regularly sold out and waiting lists are created weeks in advance."
Leilapalooza - The Leila Arboretum Music Festival is a release summer music festival held at the Leila Arboretum. Proceeds lead the Leila Arboretum Society and Kingman Museum.
Battle Creek hosts the annual Michigan High School Athletic Association team wrestling, volleyball, baseball, and softball confess championships. The town receives quarterly boosts to its economy from the fans who flock there to follow their teams.
Each year, Battle Creek hosts the Sandy Koufax 13S World Series, for 13-year-old baseball players.
In August 2010, Battle Creek was host to the eighth edition of the International H.K.D. Games.
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks (formerly Bombers) are a collegiate baseball team, a advocate of the Northwoods League, who began play-act 2007. After a last-place finish in 2010, the Bombers went 47–26 in 2011 and won their first NWL championship. It was the first championship in Battle Creek past 2000, when the Michigan Battle Cats won the Midwest League championship. The team's home is C.O. Brown Stadium. In 2011, the team signed a five-year lease, which guarantees the team's ten-year anniversary in Battle Creek in 2017. Actor Tyler Hoechlin, who starred next to Tom Hanks in the critically respected film Road to Perdition, previously played for the Battle Creek Bombers.
The Michigan Battle Cats/Battle Creek Yankees/Southwest Michigan Devil Rays were a Class A pubertal league baseball team that played in the Midwest League from 1995 through 2006. The team's house was C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Battle Creek Crunch were a zealot of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League (GLIFL), that began put it on 2006. They played one season in Battle Creek in the past ceasing operations due to financial trouble. The team's house was Kellogg Arena.
The Battle Creek Belles, a aficionado of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, played two seasons, 1951 and 1952, before relocating to Muskegon.
The Battle Creek Revolution were a enthusiast of the All American Hockey League, a low-level professional young person league, from 2008 to 2011. The team's home was Revolution Arena. The organization also started a junior hockey team called the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution in 2010. The junior team was sold renamed to the West Michigan Wolves in 2014 before relocating to Lansing in 2017.
The Battle Creek Blaze is a not-for-profit, adult football team that plays NFL rules football as a member of the IFL (Interstate Football League). The Blaze executive raises funds and community vigilance in the battle against cancer. They are in their sixth season of operation, and won the IFL North Division Championship in 2010.
The Battle Creek Cereal Killers roller derby team began in 2011.
The Battle Creek Knights are a teenager league basketball team. They were a charter fanatic of the International Basketball League (IBL) and went 21-0 during the league's first season in 2005, winning the championship. The team's home is Kellogg Arena. After announcing in July 2009 that they would sit out the 2009 season, that October the team announced that they would compensation to show the International Basketball League.
In June 2019, the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) announced it had supplementary a tenth team for the 2019–20 season and it would do something Michigan. On July 23, the Battle Creek Rumble Bees were announced with Adam Stio as the general officer after since serving in the thesame role next the Southern Professional Hockey League's Evansville Thunderbolts. The FHL had played merged neutral site games in Battle Creek on height of the previous seasons back placing an spread team there. The Rumble Bees hired Clint Hagmaier as their first head coach, however, he was released after a 0–9 start to the season with Stio taking exceeding as interim head coach. The Rumble Bees had a 1–45–0–2 record past the league's 2019–20 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their losing streak led to them living thing named "the worst team in professional hockey". After the season, the team's players went to substitute teams in the FPHL as part of a dispersal draft.
Founded in 1917, Camp Custer, as it was then known, served greater than the next-door decades as a training ground, from World War I until the present. Parts of the base were spun off and developed as the Battle Creek Veteran's Hospital, Fort Custer National Cemetery, Fort Custer Recreation Area and Fort Custer Industrial Park. This industrial park contains greater than 90 alternative companies.
The United States Government nevertheless owns the land, under an arrangement by which the permit of Michigan administers and manages the property. The base, which is nevertheless mostly undeveloped, wooded land, takes in the works a sizable part of Battle Creek's home area. The allocation of the base in Battle Creek that is now the industrial park dealings 4.69 square miles (12.15 km) in area, which is approximately 10.6% of the city's area. A much larger share of the base lies in Kalamazoo County. The against W.K. Kellogg Airport is a joint civilian-Air National Guard facility.
Battle Creek is situated on Interstate 94 (I-94) midway in the midst of Detroit and Chicago.
The Battle Creek Amtrak Station serves Amtrak trains on the south fall of the station and Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines upon the north side of the station. The Canadian National Railway and Norfolk Southern Railway offer freight sustain to the city.
Battle Creek Transit provides public transit services to Battle Creek Place residents. Regular route bus foster is provided throughout the City of Battle Creek.
Kalamazoo's Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport serves Battle Creek. Locally, W. K. Kellogg Airport serves the general aviation needs of the community. The landing field is also house to Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, Duncan Aviation, WACO Classic Aircraft Corp. a bi-plane manufacturer, and formerly, the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th Attack Wing, which flies the MQ-9 Reaper UAV.
See along with People from Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek has sister city associations with Santo André, Brazil and Takasaki, Japan.
Battle Creek's membership with Takasaki is on culmination of 25 years old. Takasaki later standard sister city relationships with Santo Andre; Chengde, China; Pilsen, Czech Republic and, in 2006, Muntinlupa, Philippines. These cities take turns hosting annual environmental conferences where perplexing and administrative staff share ideas and projects just about environmental concerns. Battle Creek and Takasaki organize junior high and high school student and scholastic exchanges each summer.