Maple Rapids

It was here on the banks of the Maple River in 1826 that the first white man created a settlement in what would become Clinton County. Campau's Trading Post was begun by George Campau, one of the early French 'coureurs de bois' who was undoubtedly familiar with the region even before the establishment of the settlement due to his years of traveling and trading with the Native Americans who lived in the area.

Following the initial venture, Campau purchased 80 acres in November 1832 that encompassed the site of the early trading post which was located adjacent to the present day Franklin Street, east of the village park. A brother, Louis, purchased the south half of the property in 1835 - the village records its emergence from that date.

While pioneers continued to arrive in the fledgling settlement, the village was not platted until 1852 when William A. Hewitt came with his family and purchased 240 acres - and began the construction of a dam and sawmill. He also built a store near the mill - then a hotel and became the Maple Rapids postmaster.

The village flourished and in 1867 a new survey was made and the village was replatted and recorded. Maple Rapids was incorporated in 1881.

Maple Rapids had been on the Methodist circuit since 1844, and a church was built in 1868. The Christian Church, predated in 1868 by the Congregational Church, was organized in 1875. Today, following mergers with various denominations, the two churches - the Maple Rapids UM Church and the Congregational Christian Church - stand on adjacent corners of Union and Maple streets.

One landmark building on the main four corners of Maple Rapids is no longer visible. For many years, Dewey's Trading Post did business from the handsome brick building that was constructed in 1874 by Solomon P. Creasinger serving the banking needs of area residents.

The building was destroyed by fire two years ago, changing the skyline of the southwest corner which had been graced by the intricate wrought-iron grating atop white trim along the roof line. Dewey's was subsequently rebuilt - and continues to maintain its reputation for quality fresh and smoked meats.

While the number of businesses has varied considerably in the many years of its existence, Maple Rapids continues to thrive and has enjoyed a 'rebirth' in recent times as evidenced by the debut of the Maple Rapids Riverfest which is held each September.

Historical information taken from the 1880 and 1980 Clinton County History.

Maple Rapids Library
130 S. Maple Ave.
Maple Rapids    682-4464