National Register Listings in
St. Joseph County, Michigan

Art Gallery Building Barry, Gov. John S., House Clapp, Leverett A. and Amanda (Hampson), House Constantine Historic Commercial District Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District Farrand Hall M-86-Prarie River Bridge Marantette Bridge Marantette House Morse-Scoville House Nottawa Stone School Silliman, Arthur, House St. Joseph County Courthouse US 12 St. Joseph River Bridge Wahbememe Burial Site and Monument White Pigeon Prairie Land Office (Additional Documentation)
Michigan is the only state to have two designated "state stones": the Petoskey Stone, which is the state stone of Michigan, and the Isle Royale Greenstone, which is the state gemstone of Michigan. The Petoskey Stone is a fossilized coral that is found primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula, while the Isle Royale Greenstone is a rare mineral found only on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Michigan random facts
St. Joseph County, MI is located in southwest Michigan and has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, establishing agricultural communities.

In 1829, St. Joseph County was officially organized and named after the St. Joseph River, which runs through the area. The county experienced rapid growth during the mid-19th century with the construction of rail lines, which connected it to nearby cities and facilitated the transportation of goods. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a major industry in the county during this time, and it remains an important sector to this day.

During the late 19th century, St. Joseph County witnessed the establishment of many towns and villages, including Three Rivers, the county seat, Constantine, and Centreville. These settlements developed around the railroad stations and played significant roles in the county's economic and social development.

In the 20th century, St. Joseph County continued to thrive, despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. The county diversified its economy, with the manufacturing sector gaining prominence alongside agriculture. Today, St. Joseph County preserves its rich history through various historical sites and museums, offering visitors a glimpse into its past while embracing a vibrant present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of St. Joseph County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - St. Joseph County is established as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • Early 1830s - The first settlements in St. Joseph County are established, including the city of Sturgis.
  • 1833 - The county seat is established in Centreville.
  • 1834 - The first courthouse in St. Joseph County is built in Centreville.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county, with the cultivation of crops such as corn and wheat.
  • 1890 - The Michigan Central Railroad extends its tracks to St. Joseph County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • Early 1900s - The county experiences a period of industrial growth, with the establishment of factories and mills.
  • 1953 - The construction of the St. Joseph Valley Parkway (US 131) begins in the county, improving road connectivity.
  • Late 20th century - St. Joseph County focuses on diversifying its economy, with the growth of the healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.