A Brief History of East Lansing

  • Introduction
  • Timeline
Essays on the people, buildings, and events in the conjoined histories of East Lansing and Michigan State University, with a particular interest in the Michigan Agricultural College era (1855–1925), and a timeline of significant events.

Featured Post

John C. Holmes and the Founding of M.A.C.

As M.S.U. students head home and East Lansing enters its quieter summer state, it’s funny to think that this week in 1857 saw the first day of classes—back then, the long term break was in the winter. This article explores John C. Holmes’ pivotal role in the founding of the Michigan Agricultural College, the institution that would become Michigan State University. Read More.

College Hall in 1857, surrounded by tree stumps yet to be cleared. Photo Credit: M.S.U. Archives.

Recent posts

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  • College Heights (1904)


  • Polly Akers, Chappie Chapman, and the Alfalfa Eta Society


  • Riverview (1891)


  • Thomas Gunson comes to M.A.C.


  • Harrison House — the “White Elephant” (1895–1916)


  • Dr. Oscar Bruegel — East Lansing’s “Only” Doctor


  • Professor Anna Bayha


  • The lost airfields of East Lansing


  • The H. T. Graham Apartment Blocks (1948–1951)

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A Brief History of East Lansing

A history of Michigan State University and the college town it engendered.

A Brief History of East Lansing by Kevin S. Forsyth is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

About

  • Sources
  • Land Acknowledgement