National Register Listings in
Berrien County, Michigan

Avery Road-Galien River Bridge Berrien Springs Courthouse Blossomland Bridge Buchanan Downtown Historic District Buchanan North and West Neighborhoods Historic District Chapin, Henry A., House Edwards, Rock S., Farmstead Fidelity Building Lakeside Inn Lardner, Ring, House Mary's City of David Niles Downtown Historic District Niles Railroad Depot Ninth District Lighthouse Depot North Watervliet Road-Paw Paw Lake Outlet Bridge Old Berrien County Courthoue Complex Old US Post Office Paine Bank Robbins, Wendell P. and Harriet Rounds, House Shiloh House South Berrien Center Union Church and Cemetery St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights Union Block Union Meat Market Warren Featherbone Company Office Building Zinc Collar Pad Company Building
Available on Amazon
Lighthouses of Michigan: Historic landmarks Paperback – January 1, 1998
Lighthouses of Michigan: Historic landmarks

Michigan is two mittens, our own mitten and the Lower Peninsula, and this is the hand that I always hold out to the world.
Russell Kirk in The Michigan Travel Journal, 1968
Berrien County, located in southwestern Michigan, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area originally belonged to the Potawatomi Native American tribe, who used the fertile land for hunting and farming. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, fueled by the opening of the Erie Canal and the availability of cheap land. The first permanent European settlement in what is now Berrien County was established in 1822.

Throughout the 19th century, Berrien County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the St. Joseph River canal, completed in 1838, improved transportation and facilitated trade in the region. This led to the rise of various industries, including lumber milling, agriculture, and manufacturing. The city of St. Joseph, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, became a hub of economic activity and a popular tourist destination.

The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Berrien County. The decline of traditional industries prompted a shift towards tourism and service-based sectors. The growth of the automobile industry in nearby cities like Detroit also had a positive impact on the local economy. In recent years, the county has continued to diversify its economy, with a focus on attracting high-tech industries and promoting small businesses.

Today, Berrien County is known for its natural beauty, with miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and a thriving agricultural sector. It is also home to several popular tourist destinations, including the Silver Beach Carousel, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and various wineries and breweries. The county's rich history and picturesque landscapes continue to attract visitors and make it a desirable place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Berrien County, Michigan.

  • 1829 - Berrien County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1831 - The county's first courthouse is built in Berrien Springs.
  • 1833 - The city of Niles is founded as a trading post.
  • 1837 - Berrien County becomes part of the newly formed state of Michigan.
  • 1857 - The St. Joseph River is dredged, improving transportation and trade in the area.
  • 1870 - The railroad reaches Berrien County, further enhancing transportation and commerce.
  • 1894 - The county seat is moved from Berrien Springs to St. Joseph.
  • 1941-1945 - Berrien County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with factories producing military supplies.
  • 1959 - The construction of Interstate 94 connects Berrien County to the interstate highway system.
  • 1968 - The Silver Beach County Park is established, becoming a popular tourist destination.
  • 1980s - Berrien County experiences economic growth with the expansion of the fruit industry and the establishment of manufacturing companies.