All About Holland 2024

Early History

Dutch Settlement

20th Century

Holland Today

Up until a few centuries ago, Michigan was inhabited solely by Native American tribes. When French fur traders arrived in the early 1600’s, the people they first encountered were likely members of the Ottawa nation, whose Indian name means “traders.” Over two hundred years later, an Ottawa leader, Chief Joseph Waukazoo, scouted a location for a colony. His tribe settled on the shores of the Black River, just a few miles from what is today Holland, Michigan.

In 1846, the Dutch began their journey to the area, and through hard work and resilience, built the “Holland Kolonie." By the early 1860’s, Holland was an agricultural port and had an institution of higher learning that would become Hope College. One ill-fated spark, however, almost wiped out the bustling town on October 9, 1871 (the same date as the Great Chicago Fire). Even though nearly everything burned, the community demonstrated its resolve, and Holland rose from the ashes, stronger than ever.

20th century Holland was a thriving industrial district known for its furniture manufacturers and for the Holland Furnace Company, the H.J. Heinz Company, and the Chris-Craft Corporation. During the 1920’s, Tulip Time was born and would become one of the nation's most celebrated flower festivals. Holland also became a favored destination for vacationers from Chicago and St. Louis, spurring the construction of ornate resort hotels and family cottages.

As late as the 1950’s, 90% of Holland residents still claimed Dutch heritage. The town, however, already had begun its evolution to a community rich with many cultures. The decade before, the first Hispanic migrant farm workers arrived to take jobs in fields and food processing plants, many staying permanently due to year-round work and educational opportunities. Later, following the Vietnam War, Asian refugees traveled halfway around the world to make Holland their new home. Like the immigrants before them, these groups came in search of a better life and also added to the multifaceted fabric of our community.

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