Wacousta, an unincorporated village, was started in 1837 prior to the
settlement of the northern part of lower Michigan. It is 11 miles northwest of
Lansing in Clinton County. Looking Glass River skirts the section edge of the
village. It was the river that was instrumental in the founding of Wacousta.
Wacousta was named after an Indian maiden “who during the Conspiracy of Pontiac
in 1763, informed Major Gladwin, the commandant at Detroit, that the Indians of
her tribe planned to massacre the garrison at the fort, after making a surprise
attack, following a show of friendliness. Her information permitted the
commandant to deploy his forces and forestall what might have been a major
catastrophe for the United States troops. Those who founded the village intended
to name it “Waterloo” and actually submitted that name to the post office
department for ratification, but it was learned that a town of that name already
existed in Michigan and, as some earlier settler having an admiration for the
character of the historic Indian Maiden, Wacousta, suggested the name as a
substitute, and it was at once adopted. (The Lansing State Journal, August 30,
1942)
It having been discovered by the many sharp curves and circuitous flowing of the
Looking Glass River at this point and for some distance above, that the
development of a mill power was possible; an association was formed in July
1837, with the avowed purpose of organizing a company, to be known as “Waterloo
Joint Stock Company”. Stockholders were brought together and purchased a tract
of land in Watertown, describes as “lying upon the Looking Glass River”. The
object of this purchase, as stated in the Articles of Agreement, was the
improvement of the real estate, and the laying out of a town therein, and the
disposal of lots for building purposes.
Wacousta has continued the heritage of being a tight knit village with yearly
chicken dinners, carnivals, canoe races, parades and celebrations. A visit to
Wacousta today will find two large beautiful parks along the Looking Glass
River, an award winning playground at the local elementary school open to the
public, small shops and very active scouting programs at our two scout camps
also located along the river.