List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Branch County Facts for Kids

Branch County, Michigan, is home to many cool places that are important to history! These spots are called Michigan State Historic Sites. They are special because they help us remember important events, people, or buildings from the past. Think of them like giant history lessons you can visit!

Some of these historic sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as super important not just in Michigan, but across the whole country! You'll see a small dagger symbol (†) next to the ones that are on this national list.

Historic Places to Explore in Branch County
- Important Buildings and Homes
- Other Important Historic Sites
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Historic Places to Explore in Branch County

Branch County has many interesting places that tell stories about the past. Let's explore some of them!

Important Buildings and Homes

Many historic sites are old buildings where important things happened or important people lived.

Courthouses and Libraries

Branch County Courthouse Informational Site: This is the main courthouse for Branch County. It's located at 31 Division Street in Coldwater. Courthouses are where laws are made and justice is served. It became a historic site on March 16, 1989.
Bronson Public Library: Libraries are places where you can find books and learn new things. This library is at 207 Matteson Street in Bronson. It was recognized as a historic site on September 28, 2000.
Edwin R. Clarke Library / Michigan Library Association: Another important library in Coldwater. You can find it at 12 East Chicago Street. This site also celebrates the Michigan Library Association, which helps libraries across the state. It became historic on March 9, 1966.
Quincy Public Library: This library is at 11 North Main Street in Quincy. It has been a historic site since April 25, 1988.

Historic Churches

Churches are often very old and have beautiful architecture. They also play a big role in the history of a community.

First Congregational Church: This church is located at 410 North Broadway Street in Union City. It became a historic site on August 21, 2007.
First Presbyterian Church†: This church in Coldwater is at 52 Marshall Street. It's special because it's also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on June 15, 1979.
Methodist Episcopal Church: You can find this church at 990 Marshall Road in Coldwater. It became a historic site on April 17, 1997.
Union City Methodist Episcopal Church: This church is at 200 Ellen Street in Union City. It was recognized as historic on September 19, 1991.

Interesting Homes

Many old homes are historic because of their unique style or the important people who lived there.

Abram C. Fisk House†: This house is at 867 East Chicago Street in Coldwater. It's another site on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on June 15, 1979.
William P. Hurd House: Located at 601 North Broadway Street in Union City, this house became a historic site on July 17, 1981.
Lanphere-Pratt House†: You can find this house at 90 Division Street in Coldwater. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places and was listed on February 23, 1978.
Henry A. Locke House: This historic home is at 140 East Division Street in Sherwood. It was recognized on March 19, 1980.
General John G. Parkhurst House: This house belonged to General John G. Parkhurst. It's at 55 North Clay Street in Coldwater and became a historic site on June 15, 1979.
Lucius M. Wing House†: This house is at 27 South Jefferson Street in Coldwater. It's another site on the National Register of Historic Places, listed on October 17, 1974.
John D. Zimmerman House: This house is at 119 East High Street in Union City. It was recognized as a historic site on September 21, 1983.

Other Important Historic Sites

Not all historic sites are buildings. Some mark important roads, events, or even the homes of famous people.

Historic Districts and Roads

Chicago Road Informational Designation: This marks a historic section of US-12 near Prairie River Road in Bronson Township. The Chicago Road was an important path for early settlers. It became a historic site on September 17, 1957.
City of Coldwater Informational Designation: This site in City Park, where US-12 and US-27 meet, celebrates the city of Coldwater itself. It was recognized on April 14, 1961.
East Chicago Street Historic District†: This whole area along Chicago Street in Coldwater is historic, including four parks. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on July 26, 1974.

Sites Related to People and Institutions

Governor Cyrus Gray Luce Homesite Informational Site: This spot marks where Governor Cyrus Gray Luce once lived. It's at the northeast corner of Division and East Washington streets in Coldwater. It became a historic site on August 15, 1975.
H. C. Lewis Art Gallery / Masonic Temple: This building at 45 East Chicago Street in Coldwater is home to an art gallery and a Masonic Temple. It was listed as a historic site in 2014.
Harriet Quimby Informational Designation: This site at the Branch County Memorial Airport in Coldwater honors Harriet Quimby. She was an amazing pioneer in aviation and the first American woman to earn a pilot's license! It became a historic site on January 21, 1988.
State Public School at Coldwater / Coldwater Regional Center: This location at 520 Marshall Road in Coldwater was once a public school for children in need. Later, it became a center for people with developmental disabilities. It was recognized as historic on May 13, 1981.

Unique Structures

Tibbits Opera House: This beautiful opera house at 14 South Hanchett Street in Coldwater is a place for performances and shows. It has been a historic site since December 11, 1970.
Union City Iron Furnace: This old iron furnace is located on M-60 near Waterworks Road in Union Township. It's a reminder of early industries in the area. It became a historic site on February 14, 1963.