====== Midland ======

{{:places:midland.jpg?400|Midland, Michigan}}

**Midland** is a city in Midland County, Michigan, and serves as the county seat. Located at the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in Mid-Michigan, Midland is recognized as a center of science, technology, manufacturing, education, and architecture.

The city is best known as the headquarters of The Dow Chemical Company and for its collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture, including numerous buildings designed by renowned architect Alden B. Dow.

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===== Quick Facts =====

^ Attribute ^ Information ^
| County | Midland County |
| Region | Mid-Michigan |
| Founded | 1832 |
| Incorporated as a City | 1887 |
| County Seat | Midland County |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone |
| Rivers | Tittabawassee River, Chippewa River |
| Known For | Dow, Alden B. Dow Architecture, Technology |

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===== History =====

Midland developed during the nineteenth century as a lumber and transportation community along the Tittabawassee River. The arrival of rail service and industrial development helped transform the city into an important economic center for Central Michigan.

A defining moment in the city's history occurred in 1897 when Herbert H. Dow founded The Dow Chemical Company in Midland. The company would grow into one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers and remain closely associated with the city.

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===== Dow Chemical Company =====

Midland is home to the global headquarters of:

* [[business:dow|The Dow Chemical Company]]

Founded by [[people:herbert_h_dow|Herbert Henry Dow]] in 1897, the company pioneered new methods of bromine extraction and later became one of the world's largest chemical and materials science corporations.

Dow's presence has had a significant influence on Midland's economy, education, architecture, and community development for more than a century.

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===== Architecture =====

Midland is widely known for its collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Many notable structures were designed by:

* [[people:alden_b_dow|Alden B. Dow]]

Alden Dow's work helped establish Midland as one of the most architecturally significant communities in Michigan. More than 400 structures throughout the region reflect his influence on modern design.

Notable architectural sites include:

* [[landmarks:alden_b_dow_home_and_studio|Alden B. Dow Home and Studio]]
* [[landmarks:dow_gardens|Dow Gardens]]
* [[landmarks:midland_center_for_the_arts|Midland Center for the Arts]]

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===== Economy =====

Midland maintains one of the most diversified economies in Mid-Michigan.

Major sectors include:

* Chemical manufacturing
* Materials science
* Engineering
* Healthcare
* Education
* Technology
* Professional services

Manufacturing continues to play a major role in the local economy, supported by technology and research-related industries.

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===== Education =====

Educational institutions in Midland include:

* [[education:northwood_university|Northwood University]]
* Midland Public Schools
* Regional educational organizations

The city maintains strong connections to business, science, and technical education.

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===== Healthcare =====

Midland serves as a regional healthcare center for Central and Northern Michigan.

Major institutions include:

* [[education:mymichigan_medical_center_midland|MyMichigan Medical Center Midland]]

Healthcare remains one of the area's largest employment sectors.

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===== Culture =====

Midland supports a vibrant arts and cultural community.

Notable attractions include:

* [[culture:midland_center_for_the_arts|Midland Center for the Arts]]
* [[landmarks:dow_gardens|Dow Gardens]]
* [[culture:midland_county_historical_society|Midland County Historical Society]]
* Community festivals and public events

The city is widely regarded as one of Michigan's leading cultural centers outside of major metropolitan areas.

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===== Transportation =====

Major transportation routes serving Midland include:

* U.S. Route 10
* M-20
* M-30
* Regional airport facilities

The city serves as an important transportation and commercial center within Mid-Michigan.

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===== Recreation =====

Popular recreational destinations include:

* [[landmarks:dow_gardens|Dow Gardens]]
* [[landmarks:chippewassee_park|Chippewassee Park]]
* [[landmarks:the_tridge|The Tridge]]
* [[landmarks:chippewa_nature_center|Chippewa Nature Center]]

Outdoor recreation, parks, and riverfront development contribute significantly to the city's quality of life.

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===== Notable Landmarks =====

* [[landmarks:the_tridge|The Tridge]]
* [[landmarks:dow_gardens|Dow Gardens]]
* [[landmarks:alden_b_dow_home_and_studio|Alden B. Dow Home and Studio]]
* [[culture:midland_center_for_the_arts|Midland Center for the Arts]]
* [[landmarks:chippewa_nature_center|Chippewa Nature Center]]

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===== See Also =====

* [[counties:midland_county|Midland County]]
* [[regions:mid_michigan|Mid-Michigan]]
* [[places:bay_city|Bay City]]
* [[places:saginaw|Saginaw]]
* [[business:dow|The Dow Chemical Company]]

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===== References =====

* City of Midland records
* Midland County historical records
* Dow corporate archives
* State of Michigan publications
* United States Census Bureau

{{tag>places cities midland_county mid_michigan midland dow alden_dow}}