Town name: Wacousta
Population: 70
Reason for becoming a lost town: Wacousta had several fires that damaged its economy and getting bypassed by state highways and freeways isolated the tiny town.
Town history:
Wacousta was organized in 1837 along the Looking Glass River. The story about how the town got it's name sounds like the Captain John Smith/Pocahontas legend.
In 1763, an Indian maiden by the name of Wacousta informed Major Gladwin of Detroit that the warriors of her tribe were planning to attack his company's fort.....and not leave anyone alive. Knowing this, the major was able to thwart the attack and avoid a massacre....for both sides.
Not being able to name the new village 'Waterloo', since there already was one, the town founders chose the name of the maiden who saved the troops.
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.
Unfortunately, fires burned down the general store and the school at the turn of the 20th century. When state highways and freeways were being built, Wacousta was left on the side of the road. Eventually, the post office closed and Wacousta settled in as a quiet shadow of it's former self.
However, Wacousta does haveseveral businesses, an elementary school in the Grand Ledge district, and a beautiful park. 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. There might be home for it yet!
Cache description: Cache is a pill bottle.
Notes of interest: Located just off the Looking Glass River. PLEASE USE EXTREME STEALTH!!
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This cache is part of the Michigan's Lost Towns Cache Series
