Flushing

History

When European settlers first arrived, the area was primarily occupied by bands of the Chippewa (Ojibwa) and Ottawa nations, with the Chippewa being the more numerous and recognized as the original proprietors of the Saginaw Valley. According to Chippewa tradition, their occupation of the region was relatively recent, as the territory had previously been held by the Sauks and Onottoways, who were eventually expelled by a confederation of Chippewa and Ottawa warriors. The principal Sauk village was located on the west side of the Saginaw River, but their domain extended as far south as the headwaters of the Shiawassee and Genesee Counties. The Chippewa and their allies launched a surprise attack, now known as the Battle of Skull Island, resulting in the near destruction of the Sauk and Onottoway tribes, with only a remnant escaping westward. According to the tradition, a reinforcement of Sauk coming from Detroit was intercepted and defeated near Flushing. On the farm formerly owned by Mr. Bailey, large burial mounds were discovered; now the present day Flushing Valley Golf Club. The mounds in this area, when opened by early settlers, were found to be filled with bones, further supporting the oral history of a large-scale battle. Mounds were observed in 1833 or 1834 and about 20 mounds in total .After the defeat of the Sauk, the Chippewa and Ottawa did not immediately settle in the conquered territory, which was considered haunted by the spirits of the slain. Eventually, the Chippewa established themselves in the Saginaw Valley, and the indigenous inhabitants of the Flushing area became known as the Saginaw tribe of the Chippewa nation. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient mounds and relics, indicates that the Saginaw Valley, including the Flushing area, was…

Geography

The Flushing area is dominated by the Flint River Valley. The Flint River flows in a northerly direction along the southern and western portions of the city and continues north bisecting Flushing Township. The valley is characterized by rich sandy loam ideal for the growth of vegetation. As a result, the valley is characterized by dense woodlots containing many varieties of trees and providing scenic and natural settings for the area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. The Main Street Historic District includes buildings on Main St from Maple to 628 (East) Main St and the Flushing Depot at 431 W Main St. Properties in this district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 82 structures located on 22.4 acres of land create the district with commercial buildings reflecting ornate Italianate and early twentieth century styles constructed between 1850 and 1918 and residences exhibiting a wide variety of Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Bungaloid styles and their vernacular derivatives built from 1850 to 1932. Properties we added as part of the Main Street Historic Commercial District and the Genesee County MRA (Multiple Resource Area).

Most-observed species

• Blue Jay

  Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  3,871
• Northern Cardinal

  Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  3,680
• Mourning Dove

  Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  3,660
• American Robin

  Turdus migratorius Linnaeus, 1766 · Aves
  3,587
• American Crow

  Corvus brachyrhynchos C.L.Brehm, 1822 · Aves
  3,450
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  3,230
• Black-capped Chickadee

  Poecile atricapillus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  3,102
• American Goldfinch

  Spinus tristis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  3,070

Largest nearby schools

• Flushing High School
  High · FLUSHING · 1,278 students · 18.5:1 ratio
• Swartz Creek High School
  High · SWARTZ CREEK · 1,042 students · 22.7:1 ratio
• CarmanAinsworth High School
  High · FLINT · 1,033 students · 19.1:1 ratio
• International Academy of Flint K12
  Other · FLINT · 890 students · 17.8:1 ratio
• Swartz Creek Middle School
  Middle · SWARTZ CREEK · 801 students · 21.1:1 ratio
• Linden Charter Academy
  Elementary · FLINT · 791 students · 22:1 ratio
• The New Standard Academy
  Other · Flint · 778 students · 16.9:1 ratio
• Flushing Middle School
  Middle · FLUSHING · 642 students · 19.5:1 ratio