Interesting Facts

Port Huron Then...

• In 1814, Fort Gratiot was established at the base of Lake Huron and was considered the first organized population in the area.
• In 1825, the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was built. It was the first lighthouse established in the State of Michigan.
• In 1854, Thomas A. Edison's family moved to Port Huron where young Thomas Edison worked on the railroad selling newspapers and "testing" his numerous inventions.
• In 1857, Port Huron became an incorporated city.
• Port Huron's population grew rapidly after the 1850's due in part to a successful shipbuilding and lumber trade. By 1870, Port Huron's population exceeded that of surrounding villages. In 1871, the Supreme Court designated Port Huron as the County Seat.
• The first volunteer fire department was established in Port Huron in 1853 and used hand power and bucket brigades. In 1867, the area's first steam fire engine was operated and housed in the city's fire station.
• Port Huron was once called Desmond; St Clair was Palmer; Marine City was New Port.

Port Huron Now!

• The City of Port Huron includes 8.00 square miles and 5,120 acres of land within its corporate city limits; and more than 3,544 acres of waterways.
• Port Huron is considered the "Central City" of St. Clair County and has the largest population of any other municipality in the county.
• 1990 Census Data indicates that Port Huron's population was 33,694.
• 2000 Census Data indicates that Port Huron's population is 32,338.
• The City maintains 144 miles of street paving, 164 miles of watermains, and 250 miles of sewer lines (combination storm and sanitary) within the city limits.
• The Water Plant pumps an average of 7,300,000 gallons per day. The Plant has the capacity to pump up to 30,000,000 gallons per day maximum.
• The City has 2 elevated storage tanks and 1 ground storage tank which provides water reserves of up to 3.0 million gallons.
• The Water Reclamation Facility treats an average of 11,300,000 gallons per day. The Plant has the capacity to treat up to 33,000,000 gallons per day maximum.
• The City maintains 1,394 fire hydrants.
• The City has 14 public parks, 4 smaller-sized “tot” parks, 19 playgrounds (City owned), 9 playgrounds (School owned), 33 tennis courts, including 16 at schools and 6 indoors, 2 public beaches, 2 public swimming pools, 1 community center, 2 public scenic turnouts and 1 public parkway.