Branch County, Michigan

44th Ill. Infantry Allen Tibbets Alumni Field Branch Cemetery Branch County / Branch County Courthouse Site Branch County Korean and Vietnam Wars Memorial Branch County World War I Memorial Branch County World War II Memorial Bronson City Hall Bronson High School World War I Memorial Bronson Public Library Bronson Veterans Memorial Bronson World War II Memorial Caille Richards Company Carp Rodeo Chivas & Jack's Grocery City of Bronson Sesquicentennial Coldwater Michigan National Guard Armory Memorial Coldwater River & Bridge Coldwater War Memorial Cyrus Luce Elkhorn Lodge: Home of "Skinny" Bullock First Congregational Church First Fire Hall First Presbyterian Church Frank D. Newberry Gerald Davison's Hilltop House Governor Cyrus Gray Luce H.C. Lewis Art Gallery / Masonic Temple Harriet Quimby Head of St. Joe Navigation Indigenous Residents J.P. Palmer Launch and & Railroad Trestle Korean War KIA Loomis' Battery Methodist Episcopal Church Michigan Library Association Narrow Gauge Railway to the Cement Factory Old Sam Quincy Civil War Memorial Quincy Honor Roll Quincy Public Library Randall Dam & Start of Millrace Richard L. Bettinger Memorial Gardens Riley Dam & Trail End Riverside Hotel, Duo Coach & UCI Riverview Park Robert Lowell Davison was born September 12, 1903 in Rushville, Indiana State Public School at Coldwater / Coldwater Regional Center The Arbogast Bridge The Broadway Bridge The Chicago Road The City of Coldwater, 1861-1961 The Flood of 1908 & Broadway Bridge "Island" The French & Trading Posts The Park Street "Spencer" Bridge The St. Joe Tavern & The Bucket Titlow House & Parachute Factory To Commemorate the Memory of the Pioneers and First Surveyors Union City Civil War Monument Union City Creamery Union City Heritage Water Trail (Trailhead Sign) Union City Iron Furnace Union City Methodist Episcopal Church Union City Milling and Mill Race Outlet Vietnam War KIA Wing House Museum World War I KIA World War II KIA World War Memorial Tree "A Gathering of Flags" War Memorial "Municipal Pond" Becomes Union Lake "Union" of the Rivers
Branch County, Michigan, located in the Great Lakes region, has a rich history spanning centuries. Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Miami, originally inhabited the area before European settlement. In the early 19th century, pioneers from New York and New England began to settle in the county, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water resources.

Branch County was officially established in 1829 and named after John Branch, the United States Secretary of the Navy at the time. The county quickly saw growth and development as a result of its advantageous location along the historic Sauk Trail, an important trading route between Detroit and Chicago. With its proximity to major waterways such as the St. Joseph River, the county became a hub for trade and transportation, attracting even more settlers.

The county's economy thrived on agriculture, with settlers focusing on farming, particularly the production of wheat and corn. The development of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled the county's growth, as it improved transportation and facilitated the movement of goods to larger markets.

Throughout its history, Branch County has played a role in important historical events. In the mid-1800s, the county served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. The county also witnessed significant industrial development, including the establishment of factories and mills in cities like Coldwater and Union City, which brought economic prosperity to the region.

Today, Branch County remains a vibrant and diverse community that continues to honor its rich history while embracing modern progress. From its early days as an agricultural center to its present-day status as a thriving community, Branch County serves as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of its residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Branch County, Michigan:

  • 1829 - Branch County is established
  • 1831 - The first permanent settlement is established in Union City
  • 1837 - The Michigan state government approves the formation of Branch County
  • 1840 - The county seat is established in the village of Branch
  • 1842 - The village of Branch is renamed Coldwater
  • 1850 - The railroad reaches Coldwater, enhancing transportation in the region
  • 1859 - The first public high school in the county is built in Coldwater
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and many soldiers from Branch County serve
  • 1870 - Population growth in the county leads to improvements in infrastructure
  • 1898 - The Michigan Bean Company is established in Coldwater, becoming a major industry
  • 1920 - The historic Tibbits Opera House is built in Coldwater
  • 1933 - The Prohibition era ends, boosting the local economy with the reopening of breweries and distilleries
  • 1950 - The construction of Coldwater Lake State Park begins
  • 1970 - The population of Branch County exceeds 30,000
  • 1983 - Fire damages several buildings in downtown Coldwater
  • 1998 - Branch County celebrates its 150th anniversary
  • 2008 - Economic downturn affects the county, leading to job losses and businesses closing

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

Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.