National Register Listing

Vermontville Chapel and Academy

a.k.a. The Academy

N. Main St., Vermontville, MI
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture religion pioneers ethnic heritage Native American
Michigan was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Michigan random facts
Eaton County, located in the state of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Established in 1837, the county was named after John H. Eaton, the Secretary of War during President Andrew Jackson's administration. The region was home to several Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ojibwa, who inhabited the fertile lands along the Grand River.

The first European settlers began to arrive in the area during the 1830s, primarily attracted by the abundance of timber and fertile soil. The county's first permanent settlement, formed in 1835, was called Bellevue. As more settlers arrived, other towns, such as Charlotte and Eaton Rapids, began to flourish. The development of the county was heavily influenced by the construction of the Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes region to the eastern seaboard and facilitated trade and transportation.

Agriculture and manufacturing played significant roles in shaping Eaton County's economy. With its fertile soil, the county became a major agricultural hub, specializing in corn, wheat, dairy farming, and apple orchards. The establishment of manufacturing industries, such as paper mills, furniture factories, and automobile parts production, further diversified the local economy.

Throughout its history, Eaton County has experienced various transformations and faced several challenges. The county witnessed the growth of education and cultural institutions, including the formation of the Eaton County Fair and the establishment of Charlotte High School. However, it also faced setbacks, such as the devastation caused by the Great Depression and the decline of some manufacturing industries in the late 20th century.

Today, Eaton County remains an important part of Michigan's agricultural and manufacturing sectors. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and a commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Eaton County, Michigan.

  • 1837 - Eaton County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
  • 1838 - The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1840 - Eaton Rapids, the county seat, is established.
  • 1850 - The county population reaches over 7,000.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Eaton County serve in the Civil War.
  • 1880 - The county's population exceeds 20,000.
  • 1900 - The Grand River Avenue, a major highway, is completed through the county.
  • 1929-1939 - The Great Depression affects the county's economy.
  • 1953 - Construction of the Interstate 69 begins in Eaton County.
  • 1976 - The county celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 1994 - Eaton County's population reaches over 100,000.
  • 2018 - Eaton County continues to grow and develop, with a diverse economy and thriving communities.