Bethel Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bethel Township, Michigan
|
|
|---|---|
Location within Branch County
|
|
 Bethel Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Bethel Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Branch |
| Organized | April 3, 1837 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36.1 sq mi (93.4 km2) |
| • Land | 35.8 sq mi (92.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 1,431 |
| • Density | 39.68/sq mi (15.321/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | |
| FIPS code | 26-08060 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1625931 |
Bethel Township is a civil township located in Branch County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. A civil township is a local government area, similar to a small town or rural district. In 2020, about 1,431 people lived in Bethel Township. It is known for its quiet, rural setting and historical roots.
Contents
Communities in Bethel Township
Bethel Township is home to a few small communities. These are not official cities or towns, but rather smaller areas where people live.
Bethel Community
Bethel is an unincorporated community found in the southeast part of the township. It was first settled way back in 1830. For many years, it had its own post office.
Hatmaker Community
Hatmaker is another unincorporated community located near the center of the township. This area was named after the Hatmaker family, who were early settlers. They were known for things like making cider and running a grocery store. Hatmaker also had a post office for some time.
Snow Prairie Locale
Snow Prairie is a historical area in the middle of the township. It was named after Eleazar Snow, who settled there in 1830. Even though Snow sold his land soon after, the name Snow Prairie stuck. This area once had a post office called Bethel Centre, which later changed its name to Snow Prairie.
Nearby Cities and ZIP Codes
- The city of Bronson is right next to the western side of Bethel Township. A major road, U.S. Highway 12, runs through the northwest corner of the township. If you live in western or southern Bethel Township, your mail might use the Bronson ZIP code, which is 49028.
- The city of Coldwater is located to the northeast. People living in the northern and eastern parts of Bethel Township often use the Coldwater ZIP code, 49036.
History of Bethel Township
The first person to settle in this area was Eleazar Snow in 1830. He later sold his land to Moses Olmstead in 1831. The area was first called Elizabeth, possibly named after Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The Michigan Legislature officially organized it as the Township of Elizabeth in 1837. The very first meeting for the township was held at Moses Olmstead's house on April 3, 1837. A few years later, in 1838-1839, the Michigan Legislature decided to change the township's name to Bethel. The reasons for this name change were not written down, so they remain a bit of a mystery!
Geography of Bethel Township
Bethel Township is a land of rivers and streams. The southern part of the township is drained by the Prairie River. In the northern part, you'll find Swan Creek. Both of these are smaller rivers that flow into the larger St. Joseph River.
The United States Census Bureau reports that the township covers a total area of about 93.4 square kilometers (or 36.1 square miles). Most of this area is land, about 92.8 square kilometers (35.8 square miles). Only a small part, about 0.6 square kilometers (0.2 square miles), is water. This means that about 0.67% of the township's total area is covered by water.
Population and People
The number of people living in Bethel Township has stayed fairly steady over the years.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 1,421 | — | |
| 2010 | 1,434 | 0.9% | |
| 2020 | 1,431 | −0.2% | |
In 2000, there were 1,421 people living in the township. By 2020, the population was 1,431.
There were 475 households in 2000. A household is a group of people living together in one home. About 36.6% of these households had children under 18 living with them. Many households were married couples living together.
The population of Bethel Township includes people of all ages. In 2000, about 27% of the population was under 18 years old. About 10% were between 18 and 24 years old. The largest group, about 31.6%, was between 25 and 44 years old. About 10.1% of the population was 65 years old or older. The average age in the township was 35 years.
