WMU students shed light on Kalamazoo's early settlers

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—South Westnedge Park in Kalamazoo may seem like the average community park—its mature trees, lush grass and brick sidewalks certainly make a pleasant spot for a summer picnic. However, there is more that lies beneath the surface—and in this case it’s Kalamazoo’s first Euro-American cemetery.   

Established in 1833 by early settlers, the burial grounds were previously known by several names, including South West Street Cemetery, Pioneer Cemetery and Kalamazoo Settler Cemetery. As the community grew and surrounding neighborhoods developed, in 1862 the city decided to bury the headstones in place to develop the space as a public park.   

Evan Kutzler, professor of history, is working with students in HIST 3404: Introduction to Public History to create a digital exhibition of the cemetery that will highlight these early settlers and their impact on the history and development of Kalamazoo.   

“When people think cemetery they think ‘find a grave.’ We’re thinking about the broader story of the history of the development of Kalamazoo, and the story of Western expansion, including the settling and un-settling of the region,” says Kutzler.  

Before the fall 2024 semester started, Kutzler and Jason Glatz, maps and repository specialist, studied historical city files to develop a digital map of the cemetery which identifies roughly 110 marked graves and notes another 230 that are unidentified. Kutzler’s HIST 3404 students are now building on this map by exploring the lives of those buried there to enhance the understanding of Kalamazoo history.  

“The people are the starting points here, and the story that comes out of that is what students are able to find through available historical records,” says Kutzler.  

By examining historical records, including land contracts, maps, and other documents, they are uncovering details about the lives of early settlers. From shoemakers to reverends, research on each individual settler contributes to a deeper understanding of 19th-century Kalamazoo. At the end of the semester, the students' research will be showcased on a website with short essays detailing the area's early residents and their roles in Kalamazoo’s history and development.  

“This is a way of teaching them historical research skills and writing skills while contributing to a community they call home for four years,” says Kutzler.   

For those interested in learning more about the project, Kutzler is scheduled to give a talk on the completed research at the Kalamazoo Public Library in early December.   

His map of South Westnedge Park can be found here.  

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