Alma, city in Michigan, USA
Alma is a small city in Gratiot County, Michigan, with just under 10,000 residents and clean, well-maintained streets throughout. It has a local college with about 1,300 students, downtown shops, parks, and services that meet everyday community needs.
Alma was founded in 1853 by Ralph Ely and grew through the settlement of early residents and their work. In the early 1900s, it was home to the Republic Motor Truck Company, which made one out of every nine trucks used in the United States and played an important role during the First World War.
The city takes its name from literary sources, reflecting a cultural tradition of learning and literature in its community. Its annual Highland Festival on Memorial Day weekend brings together Scottish music, traditional dancing, and cultural celebrations that locals and visitors experience together.
The city is accessible by local bus service and Gratiot Community Airport, with most residents using personal cars to navigate the quiet, easy-to-drive streets. Visitors can find places to stay, restaurants, and shops within short distances, making navigation straightforward.
In 1953, Alma became the first place in the United States to produce 96 octane gasoline, a major advance in fuel technology for engine development. Leonard Refineries played a key role in this energy innovation that advanced motor technology.
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