Page Contents for White Pigeon, Michigan

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Schools.

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Statistics & Facts

The Michigan state capital is Lansing.
The population of White Pigeon is approximately 1,458 (1990), 1522 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 569 (1990), 621 (2010).
The amount of land area in White Pigeon is 0.9 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.025 sq kilometers.
The distance from White Pigeon to Washington DC is 513 miles.
The distance to the Michigan state capital is 85 miles. (as the crow flies)
White Pigeon is positioned 41.79 degrees north of the equator and 85.64 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

in southern St. Joseph County Michigan, near the Michigan/Indiana border.
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History & History Related Items

Here is a page about how White Pigeon was named

A good history page for White Pigion.

Named for a Pottawatomie Indian Chief, Wahbememe, White Pigeon was incorporated in 1837, the oldest incorporated village in the state of Michigan.

Initially, White Pigeon was called Millville, but the name was changed to White Pigeon Prairie in 1833 after Chief Wahbememe heroically saved the village from destruction. It was shortened to White Pigeon in 1835. The Chief was supportive of the new settlements and gave his word to help them. When others wanted to force the settlers out, he stood up for them. One night, he overheard members of the tribe plotting to go to the village and destroy it, he ran all the way there to warn the settlers. This was about 150 miles. Once he had warned them, the exertion of the run overtook him and he died. The Village was prepared for the attack and all were saved.

One day a man built a cabin over his grave, against the warnings of the Indians. The cabin was burned down shortly afterwards. Today the spot is marked by a monument erected by the Alba women's club of White Pigeon. It was unveiled by Chief WHITE PIGEON 's great-great grandson, Willie WHITE PIGEON , on August 11, 1909, with a great celebration
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Attractions

Learn all about White Pigeon

Photos of White Pigeon Days.
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White Pigeon City Government

Village of White Pigeon
Address: 118 S. Kalamazoo St
PO Box 621
White Pigeon, Michigan 49099-0621
Phone (616) 483-7044
Fax: (616) 893-4708

White Pigeon is a General Law Village.

White Pigeon Schools

White Pigeon Jr. Sr. High School
410 East Prairie
White Pigeon, Michigan
phone: 1-616-483-7107