Campau Square is named for Louis Campau, the official founder of the city of Grand Rapids, who in 1831 purchased all of what is currently downtown Grand Rapids from the federal government for a mere $90. Prior to founding Grand Rapids, Campau had established the first permanent settlement in Saginaw, MI, becoming a founding father of that city as well.
Some Facts
- A feud between Louis Campau and competitor Lucius Lyon, mostly on Campau’s part, over their adjoining parcels of land resulted in the broad, open area at Campau Square where Monroe Center, Pearl St., and Monroe Ave. meet.
