Many Michigan cities, towns, and townships have changed their names over the years but I didn't know Kentwood was originally called Paris and others are surprised too.

Michigan Cities That Have Changed Their Names

canva.com
canva.com
loading...

Many Michigan cities and towns have changed their names like Kalamazoo was originally known as Bronson. The name Bronson came from its founder Titus Bronson. The city went with Kalamazoo in the 1830s.

canva.com
canva.com
loading...

Grand Haven used to be called Gabagouache but became the city of Grand Haven in 1837. Holland used to be called the Holland Kolonie. Rockford was once known as Laphamville. Spart was called Nashville until they found out there was already one in Michigan. Names often were changed once more people lived in a village, township, town, or eventually a city.

100.5 FM The River logo
Get our free mobile app

Kentwood Used to be Called Paris

Google Maps/canva.com
Google Maps/canva.com
loading...

Unlike the cities that were mentioned above getting their names over 100 years ago, Kentwood didn't get its new name until 1967.  According to Kentwood, it was just a township until the city became incorporated by a vote in 1967. Now the town has grown to over 54,000 residents and continues to grow. If you look closely at the map above you can see that East Paris is still part of Kentwood.

Joe F Spaulding X Page
Joe F Spaulding X Page
loading...

Joe F Spaulding made a post on X that said, "Kentwood used to be called Paris? Is everything I know about GR a lie?" That is when the thread above appeared on X.

Read More: Michigan Will Be Invaded By Bug You Shouldn’t Kill

Joe F Spaulding X Page
Joe F Spaulding X Page
loading...

IAmJillyBean made probably the funniest post on the thread by saying, "Who knew I've been going to Paris every weekend! My boyfriend is French."

10 Poorest Michigan Cities 2024

Gallery Credit: TSM Lab

10 Dumbest Michigan Cities 2024

Gallery Credit: TSM Lab

More From 100.5 FM The River