Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-01-20

PLANK ROAD TO THE kAPIDS.-We are hap
py to announce to our readers that the Board
of Directors have located the Kalamazoo and
Grand Rapids Plank Road. After careful ex-
animation of the several routes, they have adop-
ted the western line, rs the shortest most level,
and in every respect, the most desirable. The
principal points intersected, are first, Parker's
Steam Mill, on the north line Of this town;
thence, by ravine on to the Cooper road to
Anderson's Bridge; thence due north mile
east of the range line between ranges ii and
IL, to the Bronson settlement, at the northwest
corner of town north; thence angling west
to the range line, straight through to the Rap
ids, passing near the Plaster mills-the whole
distance AZ miles, The objects to be attained
by this air line route are numerous and impor-
tant, among which are the following: 1t will
secure the travel from Allegan Co.; intersect
with the plank road from Breedsvie and South
Haven, at or near Otsego, and facilitate line
continuous of the Allegan plank road to Hol-
land on Black Lake, % miles northwest of
Allegan; thus opening market, and facilities
of travel to two important points On Lake Mich
igan
The rich lands north of the Kalamazoo River
through to Grand Rapids will settle rapidly, and
the Holland Colony now numbering 5000, will
extend their settlement (now within IL miles,
in town north, ranges Is and l4), through
range 10, to the road, affording them IN outlet
to the Rapids or Kalamazoo. 1t will accom-
modate the west part of Barry Co., opening an
avenue to large settlements, and extending the
same. 1t will pass through the richest part of
Kent Co., where settlements have been made
on the maple lands west Of Green Lake.
Above all, it will open channel for an exhaust
less supply Of plaster to renovate the light soil
of our southern counties, and the Interchange
of our products for those Of the north. Add
TO these advantages Of position, that Of n level
surface, making the route the only one which
would eventually be adopted for an iron track
if the increase of travel and freight should make
! it desirable TO put on the iron horse, and its
long train of cars. The decline of Milwaukee
and other ports in Wisconsin, consequent upon
the absorbing and centraizing influence at Chi
cago, will hasten the time when Grand Haven
will be the point for freight and passage to and
from the west side of Lake Michigan by the
river and Railroad to Kalamazoo.
It is estimated by good Judges that the plank
road can be built for $4,000, the interest of
which will be o trfe compared with the revenue
from travel and freight. All who look at the
vast interests subserved by this connection of
the rich valley Of Grand River with the central
and southern Railroads by plank roads, extend
ing South to Fort Wayne and thence to Gin
cinnatt express but one opinion as to its reve-
nue., and none doubt its ability to pay at least
80 per cent to be increased by the construction
of branches from various points connecting
with the main trunk. We are informed by the
engineer, Mr.. Traver, that the work will be
pushed forward with the utmost energy to CON-
pleton. There are already several saw-mills
on or near the route, and more will be con-
structed Mr. Eames, Of this town, has con-
tracted for q portable steam-mill, invented by
himself, to be at work in February.
We close these hasty remarks Of to-day by
congratulating all who are interested, both here
and at the Rapids in the fatterng prospect OF
a speedy and most admirable substitute for the
horrid roads they have waded through for the
last Is years kalamazoo Telegraph.