Tecumseh, Michigan

Tecumseh is a city in Lenawee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated where M-50 crosses the River Raisin, a few miles east of M-52. Tecumseh is about 60 miles (97 km) southwest of Detroit, 25 miles (40 km) south of Ann Arbor, and 40 miles (64 km) north of Toledo, Ohio.

Tecumseh, Michigan
City
City of Tecumseh
Downtown along Chicago Boulevard (M-50)
Location within Lenawee County
Tecumseh
Location in Michigan
Tecumseh
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 42°00′22″N 83°56′58″W
CountryUnited States
StateMichigan
CountyLenawee
Settled1824
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager
 • MayorJack Baker
 • ManagerDaniel Swallow
Area
 • Total5.89 sq mi (15.26 km2)
 • Land5.65 sq mi (14.63 km2)
 • Water0.24 sq mi (0.63 km2)
Elevation
804 ft (245 m)
Population
 • Total8,521
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
8,398
 • Density1,486.63/sq mi (573.95/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
49286
Area code(s)517
FIPS code26-79120[4]
GNIS feature ID1614652[5]
Websitewww.mytecumseh.org
Shops in Downtown Tecumseh

As of the 2010 census, the city has a population of 8,521. The city is surrounded on three sides by Tecumseh Township, but the two are politically independent. Raisin Township borders the southern edge of the city. The city was rated #93 in 2009, as one of 100 of the best small towns to live in by CNNMoney.[6]

History

The boundaries of Lenawee County were laid out by a proclamation of the Territorial Governor, Lewis Cass on September 10, 1822.[7] Lenawee remained attached to Monroe County, out of which it was formed, until an act of the Territorial Legislature passed on December 26, 1826, organized the county government.

The first settlement in the county was made two years earlier, on May 21, 1824, in Tecumseh. The settlers, consisting of fifteen men, eleven women, and six children, all came from Jefferson County, New York. In 1823, Musgrove Evans had located the land and persuaded General Joseph W. Brown and the others to move to the site. Brown and Evans, along with Austin Eli Wing purchased land there and platted the village of Tecumseh in 1824. These founders appealed to Governor Cass to locate the county seat of Lenawee at Tecumseh. This was accomplished by an act of the Territorial Legislature on June 30, 1824, even though county government would not be organized for another year and a half. The city was named after the Shawnee chief Tecumseh.[8][9]

Tecumseh remained the county seat until 1838, when it was transferred to Adrian. The Township of Tecumseh was organized on April 12, 1837, initially encompassing the entire northern third of the county.[7]

Panoramic map of Tecumseh, 1868

Just to the north of Tecumseh, the village of Bownville was established in 1823 by Austin Wing. It was annexed by Tecumseh in 1838.[10]

Geography
This 1848 drawing of the famous Chief Tecumseh was based on a sketch made in 1808.

Tecumseh is located in Southeast Michigan. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.94 square miles (15.38 km2), of which 5.70 square miles (14.76 km2) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km2) is water.[11]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18601,640—
18702,03924.3%
18802,1113.5%
18902,3109.4%
19002,4003.9%
19102,332−2.8%
19202,4324.3%
19302,4561.0%
19402,92118.9%
19504,02037.6%
19607,04575.2%
19707,1201.1%
19807,3202.8%
19907,4621.9%
20008,57414.9%
20108,521−0.6%
2019 (est.)8,398[3]−1.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]

2010 census

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 8,521 people, 3,604 households, and 2,304 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,494.9 inhabitants per square mile (577.2/km2). There were 3,957 housing units at an average density of 694.2 per square mile (268.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.0% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.4% of the population.

There were 3,604 households, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the city was 39.8 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 8,574 people, 3,499 households, and 2,337 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,659.4 per square mile (640.3/km2). There were 3,651 housing units at an average density of 706.6 per square mile (272.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.85% White, 0.19% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.40% of the population.

There were 3,499 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,106, and the median income for a family was $58,239. Males had a median income of $39,672 versus $27,630 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,797. About 3.5% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

One of the village's most well-known manufacturers was Tecumseh Products. Founded by the Herrick family during the early part of the 20th century, Tecumseh Products initially began business manufacturing refrigeration compressors, leading Tecumseh to be known as the "Refrigeration Capital of the World." The company moved out of Tecumseh in 2008, moving the remaining production to a plant in Tupelo, Mississippi, and its headquarters to Pittsfield Township, Michigan, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. Consolidated Biscuit Company of McComb, Ohio, agreed to buy the Products plant in 2008, pending an environmental review.[13] However, the deal fell through after Consolidated Biscuit Company was sold[14] The site was found to be contaminated and cleanup begun in 2017.[15][16] The land was purchased by a local developer - 100 E. Patterson LLC - with plans to clean up the land and develop mixed use space for light industrial, commercial and retail uses.[17] The State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) awarded the City of Tecumseh $2,000,000 in funding to aid the developer in cleanup efforts.[18][19] At the end of 2018 demolition at the site was nearly complete and cleanup efforts were underway with new industrial building construction planned for 2019.[20]

Overall, the City of Tecumseh's economy is quite diverse including over 250 businesses ranging from Tier 1 Automotive Suppliers to small locally owned bakeries and shoe stores. The downtown is thriving with successful businesses ranging from antiques, breweries and wineries, retail, restaurants, customer jewelers, locally owned department stores and more. Some of the largest employers include: Kirchhoff Automotive, Tecumseh Public Schools, ProMedica, Busch's, GLOVE Enterprises, Ervin Industries, Tuckey's Big Boy, Old National Bank, City of Tecumseh, Ididit, Tecumseh Packaging Solutions, Glycon, Spectrum Printers, Diggypod, Martin's Home Center, JR's Grill & Pub, Basil Boys, Evans Street Station and Howard Hanna. See chart for additional employment details.

City of Tecumseh Largest Employers - 2018
Company Industry Employees
Kirchhoff Automotive Automotive Supplier 952
Tecumseh Public Schools Education 335
ProMedica/Herrick Hospital Medical Services 230
Busch's Tecumseh Grocery 97
GLOVE Enterprises Injection Molding 85
Ervin Industries Metal Blasting 61
City of Tecumseh Government Services 52
Tuckey's Big Boy Restaurant 44
Old National Bank Finance/Banking 43
Ididit Custom Automotive 50
Tecumseh Packaging Solutions Packaging Manufacturing 35
Glycon Plastics Processing 35
Spectrum Printers Commercial Printing 21
Diggypod Custom Printing 21
Howard Hanna Real Estate 40
Evans Street Station Restaurant 35
Martin's Home Center Retail/Hardware 30
JR's Grill & Pub Restaurant 30
Basil Boys Restaurant 30

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

In 2010, the city began hosting the Tecumseh Ice Sculpting Festival in the downtown area on the penultimate weekend in January.[21] Another festival is Appleumpkin (the second weekend in October) which attracts approximately 30,000 tourists from around the region annually.[22] In addition to the two main annual events, the city of Tecumseh holds several other events each year like the Classic Car and Bike Show,[23] Diva's at Dusk,[24] Holiday Open House,[25] Annual Pet Parade[26] and Sidewalk Sales.[27] In addition to events, Tecumseh also boasts culturally rich activities like the annual Art Trail[28][29] which features sculptures throughout Tecumseh which are changed on an annual basis, as well as the annual Art Walk[30] which pairs local artists and merchants for residents and visitors to enjoy. Tecumseh is also home to the Carnegie Preservation League, a non profit that saved a historical landmark building and renovated it to create lofts and gallery space for local artists.[31]

Tourism

The Southern Michigan Railroad Society, an operating railroad museum, runs through Tecumseh.,[32] along with the proximity to M.I.S.(Michigan International Speedway), brings many tourists to the area allowing for many antique dealers, cafes and fine dining to flourish along the m-50 corridor.

Education
Tecumseh Compass Learning Center

The city of Tecumseh is home to Tecumseh Public Schools which includes one traditional high school, Tecumseh High School, (grades 9–12), one alternative high school, Tecumseh Alternative High School; two middle schools, Tecumseh East STEAM Center, (grade 7 or 8), and Tecumseh West STEAM Center, (grade 7 or 8); and three elementary schools, Tecumseh North Early Learning Center (grades K–1), Tecumseh South Early Learning Center (grades K–1), and Tecumseh Compass Learning Center (grades 2-6).[33][34][35]

Tecumseh students have access to the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) and the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry. Tecumseh Public Schools seek to provide a myriad of educational opportunities to create a work ready workforce, including industry-specific programs to focus on the needs of area businesses.[36] Tecumseh Public Schools has a graduation rate of 96.84% with over 65% of graduates enrolling in post secondary education. Tecumseh's central location provides easy access to major universities, including the top 10 that graduates choose: Jackson College, Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Siena Heights University, Western Michigan University, the University of Toledo, and the University of Michigan.[37]

Infrastructure

Highways

Notable people

Former U.S. Congressman Fernando C. Beaman practiced law in Tecumseh in the 1800s.[38]

Historian and literary critic Ronald Crane was born in Tecumseh.

Joseph C. Satterthwaite was born in Tecumseh.[39] Satterthwaite was an American diplomat serving in such positions as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Director General of Foreign Service, and Diplomatic Agent/Consul General.[40]

Andrew Kehoe was born and raised in Tecumseh. On May 18, 1927, he perpetrated the Bath School disaster in Bath, Michigan, killing 45 people, including himself. It remains the worst school related mass murder in U.S. history.[41][42]

Actress Julie Parrish, born October 21, 1940 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, spent her early years in Lake City, Tennessee, but moved to Tecumseh at age 11.[43] There she graduated from Tecumseh High School (Michigan). Parrish attended modeling school, won "Young Model of The Year', and pursued a career in acting. She appeared with Jerry Lewis in It's Only Money (1962) and The Nutty Professor (1963).

Don Juan

A horse, Don Juan, that belonged to General George Armstrong Custer is buried in Tecumseh. The horse had been sent to a friend living in Tecumseh after the General's death.[9][44]

Sister Cities

References
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  2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
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  6. "Best Places to Live 2009 - from Money Magazine". money.cnn.com.
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  8. "Tecumseh". ePodunk. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
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  10. Romig, Walter. Michigan Place Names. p. 83.
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  12. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
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  18. "SOM - City of Tecumseh Receives $2 million for Revival Commons Redevelopment Project". www.michigan.gov. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
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  21. http://www.lenconnect.com/news/x255285228/Tecumseh-hoping-for-snow-and-cold-for-Ice-Sculpture-Festival%5B%5D
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  23. Admin, Web. "2018 Tecumseh Classic Car & Bike Show Series". Downtown Tecumseh, Michigan. Archived from the original on December 20, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
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  30. Amin, Web. "11th Annual Art Walk". Downtown Tecumseh, Michigan. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  31. "Carnegie". The Tecumseh Herald. Archived from the original on December 20, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
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  33. "Tecumseh High School". Great Schools. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  34. "Tecumseh Public Schools". Great Schools. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  35. "Tecumseh Public Schools". Tecumseh Public Schools. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
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  37. "2018 State of the District". www.tps.k12.mi.us. Archived from the original on December 19, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
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  39. "J. C. Satterthwaite, A Director General Of Foreign Service". November 27, 1990 – via NYTimes.com.
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  43. "Julie Parrish Official Website". Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  44. "5 things to know about Tecumseh, Mich". Holland Sentinel. Retrieved February 24, 2014.

Further reading
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