Wacousta, Michigan

Wacousta, Michigan
Census-designated place (CDP) & unincorporated community
Location within Clinton County
Wacousta Location within the state of Michigan Show map of Michigan Wacousta Location within the United States Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 42°49′13″N84°41′27″W / 42.82028°N 84.69083°W / 42.82028; -84.69083 [1]
Country	United States
State	Michigan
County	Clinton
Township	Watertown
Area [2]
• Total	8.99 sq mi (23.29 km2)
• Land	8.91 sq mi (23.09 km2)
• Water	0.08 sq mi (0.20 km2)
Elevation [1]	824 ft (251 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,532
• Density	171.85/sq mi (66.35/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)	48820 (DeWitt) 48822 (Eagle) 48837 (Grand Ledge)
Area code	517
FIPS code	26-82680 [3]
GNIS feature ID	2583768 [1]

Wacousta is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clinton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The CDP is located within Watertown Charter Township. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 1,532. ^[4]

History

The community of Wacousta was listed as a newly-organized census-designated place for the 2010 census, meaning it now has officially defined boundaries and population statistics for the first time. ^[5]

Township date of Organization: March 20, 1837

Recognized as a Charter Township: December 8, 1966 ^[6]

In the heart of Michigan, along the winding Looking Glass River, a pioneering spirit took root. In 1837, a group of visionaries, drawn to the river's potential for water power, formed the Waterloo Joint Stock Company. Their ambitious goal was to establish a thriving community centered around a sawmill and gristmill.

The company purchased a substantial tract of land and began construction. A sawmill, gristmill, dwellings, and even a store soon materialized. However, the ambitious scale of their project outpaced the local population's needs, leading to financial difficulties. The property eventually changed hands several times, ultimately landing in the hands of Nathaniel I. Daniells.

Daniells, a New York native with a history of entrepreneurial ventures, saw potential in Wacousta. He purchased half of the property and leased the other half, becoming a pivotal figure in the town's development. His arrival marked a turning point, as he brought his determination and business acumen to the fledgling community.

Despite facing legal challenges and community resistance, Daniells persevered. He repaired the sawmill, established a gristmill, and played a key role in the town's growth. His efforts helped to attract other settlers and businesses, contributing to Wacousta's transformation into a thriving community.

Over the years, Wacousta continued to evolve. New industries emerged, including blacksmith shops and medical practices. The town also became a hub for local agriculture and commerce. Through the dedication and resilience of its early pioneers, Wacousta established itself as a cornerstone of the region's history.

Geography

The Wacousta CDP has a total area of 8.99 square miles (23.28 km²), of which 8.91 square miles (23.08 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) (0.89%) is water. ^[7]

The Looking Glass River flows from east to west across the CDP.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	1,532		—
U.S. Decennial Census [8]

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Wacousta, Michigan
2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
3. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Wacousta CDP, Michigan". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
4. "Wacousta CDP, Michigan". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
5. "Michigan: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts 2010 Census of Population and Housing" (PDF). 2010 United States Census . United States Census Bureau. September 2012. p. III-5. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
6. "Watertown History | Watertown Charter Township, MI". Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
7. "Michigan: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts 2010 Census of Population and Housing" (PDF). 2010 United States Census . United States Census Bureau. September 2012. p. 19 Michigan. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
8. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Archived from the original on February 28, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2016.