Named for a skirmish between a government land surveyor and two Indians which took place seven miles away and almost 175 years ago, Battle Creek, Michigan is proud of its rich and varied past. Known in different eras of its history as the Queen City, Health City and the International City, today, Battle Creek is Cereal City, the "best known city of its size in the country." Those moving to Battle Creek will find a treasured and unique city to live.
History:
From its earliest days, Battle Creek has welcomed social and religious non-conformists. Quaker pioneer Erastus Hussey operated a station on the Underground Railroad, helping escaping slaves reach freedom in Canada. Until the early years of the 20th century when it decentralized, the SDA church was a major influence in Battle Creek. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg was the director of the world-renowned Battle Creek Sanitarium. The "San," as it was known locally, was famous around the world for its water and fresh air treatments, exercise regimens and diet reform. The San doctors were universally recognized for their diagnostic, surgical and medical expertise. In its 65 years of operation under Dr. Kellogg's leadership, the San served thousands of patients, including presidents, kings, movie stars, educators and industrial giants, as well as impoverished charity patients. During World War I Battle Creek was the second home to the "doughboys" that passed through the Army training center at Camp Custer. Thousands of young American men received their first taste of military life here and sampled the generous hospitality of the townspeople. Renamed Fort Custer, the base was reactivated during World War II. In addition to serving as a basic training location, the Fort was an internment center for German Prisoners of War. Hundreds of wounded World War II GI's were sent to Percy Jones Army Hospital for rehabilitation. By the end of the war, it was the largest medical installation operated by the Army and specialized in amputations, neuro-surgery, deep X-ray therapy and plastic artificial eyes. In the decade it was open , the hospital made a lasting impact on the city. Battle Creek was the first city in America to install wheelchair ramps in its sidewalks, to accommodate the Percy Jones patients when they went downtown.
Economy:
The city has a proud history and promising future of providing the world's leading food brands, research and training. Battle Creek is home to Kellogg Company's world headquarters, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the International Food Protection Training Institute. Battle Creek has many other major corporate members of our community including Post Cereals, Ralcorp, Denso, II Stanley, and Duncan Aviation. The city is revitalizing downtown to accommodate food science and other innovation industries. Battle Creek's Air National Guard Base, commercial airport and industrial park are diversifying our economy and attracting worldwide businesses for military, aviation, aerospace and alternative energy. According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are Kellogg, Hart-Dole-Inouve Federal Center, Denso, Battl Creek Health System, Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Kellogg Community College, Michigan Air National Guard and Stanley.
Tourism:
The Arcadia Brewing Company is the perfect place to start. TC's Woodfire at Arcadia is Battle Creek's own working artistic craft brewery and restaurant located in the heart of Downtown. Internationally acclaimed for distinctive and innovative handcrafted ales, the pub/restaurant is anchored by a wood-fired oven from Naples, Italy and a Southern BBQ Pit. Next, the Art Center of Battle Creek creates eight to ten exhibits per year, in three galleries of artwork with varied visual presentation. Art classes are also offered throughout the year for adults and children. Then, grab the family and head to the Binder Park Zoo. An African adventure awaits you. Discover spectacular views of wild animals from elevated boardwalks. Get face-to-face with one of the largest giraffe herds in the country as you explore Wild Africa and hand feed a giraffe. Experience a variety of animals from around the world all without leaving the country. Finally, Cheap Flicks is Battle Creek's first choice for sub-run and classic films. This family-owned, eight-screen multiplex can hold 1570 movie fans in clean, comfortable theaters.