Today, you will find Saginaw, Michigan a vibrant place to visit and explore. Once a large lumber town and then an important manufacturing center for the automotive industry, Saginaw has had reasons to consider other economic options including tourism in recent times. The city slogan "Where Innovation Flows" says it all, and the city fathers must surely have this at heart when planning future economic developments for the good of the local community. It may be a good time to consider moving to Saginaw, Michigan.
Economy:
Saginaw city and Saginaw County lie in the Flint Tri-Cities region of Michigan. While respecting its lumber industry and automotive heritage, this area also has productive agricultural lands, a lively culture and a solid manufacturing base too. A progressive entrepreneurial approach prevails, and this encourages opportunities for the development of a high-tech future, particularly through new markets in the healthcare and renewable energy sectors.
History:
The Sauk Native American Indian tribe land lived where Saginaw now stands until the Ojibwe or Chippewa tribe drove them away. "Saginaw" may be a corruption of an Ojibwe word meaning, "where the Sauk people were." Although the French were in evidence in the area as early as the late 17th century, they only permanently established themselves in 1815 in an area on the west bank of the Saginaw River. Not long after that, the United States Army established Fort Saginaw and established the core of their own local settlement. A fast-developing lumber industry sparked further growth, as the area experienced the rapid construction of several sawmills and the benefits of trading vessels plying the Great Lakes. Saginaw became a city in 1889 with the consolidation of Saginaw West Side and East Saginaw. The 20th century ushered in a rush of new developments in the manufacturing sector, mainly related to the automotive industry. This in turn attracted new citizens, particularly from the South and this resulted in a large increase in the population. The last decades of the 20th century saw a reversal in fortunes with an exodus of people brought on by a decline in the manufacturing presence in Saginaw. Since then the city has slumbered on awaiting the return of earlier fortunes.
Tourism:
The city of Saginaw has to be one of Michigan's Coolest Cities and is well worth visiting on vacation with plenty of events and attractions whatever your preferences are. The Riverfront provides a non-stop hive of activities from fishing off the riverbanks to cruising on the waters on a balmy summer day. In winter, you will have the chance to try your skills at fishing through holes in the ice and maybe walking off with a trophy in recognition of the monster fish you caught! Celebration Square is the focal point of cultural activities in the summer months -down at the Andersen Enrichment Center you will always find something of cultural interest on the go, including the hugely popular and totally free summer concert series, "All That Jazz." Alternatively, you could check out the impressive railroad cars and engines at the Saginaw Railway Museum. There is a lot more besides, from a well thought out river walk that meanders along the banks of the Saginaw River, to various arts and culture events and attractions.