By the time Grand Rapids incorporated as a city in 1850, furniture manufacturing had already begun, utilizing waterpower from rapids on the Grand River (from which the city drew its name) and abundant local hardwoods and softwoods. A furniture display at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 brought national recognition to Grand Rapids. At the end of the 19th century, the city was the chief furniture producer in the United States and came to be called the Furniture Capital of America. In the 20th century many furniture manufactures moved to southern states in search of cheaper labor. While the city’s economy has since diversified into many other fields, it remains a noted producer of office furniture.

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