Portage

History

Portage was settled in 1830, and incorporated as a city in 1963. On May 7, 2024, the city was struck by a high-end EF2 tornado, causing significant damage to homes and properties. A FedEx distribution center was severely damaged after the tornado caused part of the roof to collapse. Over 500 buildings were damaged, with 60 being destroyed, including a strip mall.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. Austin Lake is in the southeast part of the city and was named for Moses Austin, who had emigrated to Portage Township from Genesee County, New York, in 1833. A settlement grew on the north shore of the lake, known as Austin or Austin Lake. A post office named "Austin's Lake" was established on May 18, 1850, with Austin as postmaster, and operated until August 15, 1853. The place was also a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad in 1867. West Lake is adjacent to Austin Lake with Portage Road running between the two lakes.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Loy Norrix High School
  High · KALAMAZOO · 1,771 students · 24.6:1 ratio
• Kalamazoo Central High School
  High · KALAMAZOO · 1,612 students · 22.4:1 ratio
• Portage Central High School
  High · PORTAGE · 1,420 students · 20.9:1 ratio
• Portage Northern High School
  High · PORTAGE · 1,252 students · 20.5:1 ratio
• Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts
  Middle · KALAMAZOO · 860 students · 22.1:1 ratio
• Milwood Magnet School
  Middle · KALAMAZOO · 742 students · 23.2:1 ratio
• Portage Central Middle School
  Middle · PORTAGE · 740 students · 19.5:1 ratio
• Vicksburg High School
  High · VICKSBURG · 728 students · 19.7:1 ratio