Charlotte

History

In 1832, George William Barnes purchased the land that would become Charlotte from the U.S. government. Barnes in turn sold the land to Edmond B. Bostwick, a land speculator from New York City three years later in 1835. Bostwick then sold portions of the land to H.I. Lawrence, Townsend Harris, and Francis Cochran. The four created the village which they named after Edmond Bostwick's wife, Charlotte, who originally wanted it to be called Charlotteville. Jonathan Searles became the first postmaster on March 17, 1838. Charlotte was incorporated as a village on October 10, 1863, and as a city on March 29, 1871. At various times, Charlotte had the unofficial names of Eaton Centre, and Carmel. It was designated as the county seat when Eaton County was organized in 1837; however, due to a lack of population and buildings, county functions were conducted at Bellevue until 1840. The Dolson automobile was manufactured in Charlotte from 1904 to 1907.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. Charlotte is situated on gently rolling prairie. The Battle Creek River has its northern bend in the south part of the city, entering from the southeast and exiting to the southwest. The northern part of the city is part of the Thornapple River watershed.

Race & ethnicity