Dating back to 1832, when the first settlers came from Ireland, Mr. John Lathers received a deed signed by Andrew Jackson for 160 acres of land that is now bound by Ford Road, Harrison and Marquette. The original developers of the city pictured it as an independent community containing enough industry to support its citizens. They subdivide large lots, in many cases a full acre, to provide residents ample space for small-scale farming. They patterned the town after the "Garden City" concept that became popular in England during the 19th Century.
In 1927, the area was incorporated into a village with an estimated 900 residents and an area of 3,600 acres. In December 1933, Garden City was incorporated, having an area of 5.8 miles and population of 2,500. A charter adopted that year provided for a Mayor-Council non-partisan form of Government. November 1975 saw the installation of a City Manager to join the existing government. |
