List of Michigan State Historic Sites in St. Joseph County facts for kids
Welcome to St. Joseph County, Michigan! This area is home to many special places called Michigan State Historic Sites. These are buildings, bridges, or other spots that are important because of their history. They help us remember the past and learn about how people lived long ago.
Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important not just in Michigan, but across the whole country! Let's explore some of these amazing historic places.
Contents
- Historic Homes and Important People
- Historic Buildings and Community Life
- Colon Public Library
- Colon Seminary - Lamb Knit Goods Company Building
- Constantine Methodist Episcopal Church
- First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon
- First Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Centreville
- Messiah Lutheran Church
- Zion Evangelical Church / West Mendon United Methodist Church
- Historic Schools
- Other Important Buildings
- Bridges, Mills, and Districts
- Other Unique Historic Sites
- See also
Historic Homes and Important People
Many historic sites in St. Joseph County are old houses that belonged to important people. These homes tell us stories about the lives of leaders and pioneers who shaped the area.
Governor John S. Barry House in Constantine
The Governor John S. Barry House is a beautiful home in Constantine. It was once the home of John S. Barry, who was the governor of Michigan three times in the 1840s. He was known for being very careful with the state's money. This house is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
General Harry Hill Bandholtz House
Also in Constantine, you can find the General Harry Hill Bandholtz House. This house belonged to Harry Hill Bandholtz, a famous general who served in the U.S. Army. He played a big role in helping the Philippines after a war and was important during World War I.
Patrick Marantette House in Mendon
The Patrick Marantette House is near Mendon. Patrick Marantette was one of the first settlers in the area and was important in the early days of Mendon. His house is a great example of early Michigan architecture.
Other Notable Homes
- Lyman Bishop House: Located in Leonidas, this house shows us what homes looked like in the past.
- George Brissette-Charles Wheeler House: Found in Three Rivers, this house has a unique history tied to its original owners.
- Harvey Cady House: This home in Centreville is another example of the area's rich architectural history.
- Leverett and Amanda Clapp House: Also in Centreville, this house is special enough to be on the National Register.
- Richard Fulcher House: A historic home in Three Rivers.
- Samuel Gorton House: Located near Colon, this house offers a glimpse into early life.
- William Heywood House: Another historic residence in Constantine.
- Morse-Scoville House: This house in Constantine is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- George Palmer-Dr. Oscar Young House: A historic home in Constantine.
- Arthur Silliman House: In Three Rivers, this house is also on the National Register.
- Stewart House: Located in Centreville, this house has a story to tell.
- Judge John Sturgis House: This house in Sturgis belonged to an important judge.
- Albert G. Wade Estate: A large historic estate in White Pigeon.
- Wells-Bryan House: Another historic home in Constantine.
Historic Buildings and Community Life
Many historic sites are buildings that were central to community life, like libraries, churches, and schools. They show how people gathered, learned, and worshipped.
Colon Public Library
The Colon Public Library in Colon is more than just a place for books. It's a historic building that has served the community for many years, showing the importance of learning and reading.
Colon Seminary - Lamb Knit Goods Company Building
This building in Colon has a double history! It started as the Colon Seminary, a place for education. Later, it became the Lamb Knit Goods Company Building, a factory that made knitted items. It shows how buildings can change uses over time.
Constantine Methodist Episcopal Church
The Constantine Methodist Episcopal Church is a beautiful old church in Constantine. Churches often served as important community centers, not just for worship but also for social gatherings.
First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon
The First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon is another historic place of worship. Its architecture and history reflect the early settlers of the area.
First Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Centreville
This church in Centreville, the First Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Centreville, represents the religious heritage of the community.
Messiah Lutheran Church
The Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine is another example of the historic religious buildings in the county.
Zion Evangelical Church / West Mendon United Methodist Church
This church near Mendon, originally the Zion Evangelical Church and now the West Mendon United Methodist Church, has a long history of serving its community.
Historic Schools
Several old schoolhouses are preserved as historic sites, reminding us of how education used to be.
- Fawn River District No. 3 Schoolhouse: This old school in Fawn River teaches us about early schooling.
- Lakeside District No. 2 School: Located in Fabius, this was once a busy place for young students.
- Nottawa District No. 3 Schoolhouse: East of Nottawa, this stone schoolhouse is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other Important Buildings
- Exchange Hotel: In Centreville, the Exchange Hotel was once a busy place for travelers.
- Mendon Township Library: The Mendon Township Library in Mendon is another historic library building.
- New York Central Railroad Depot: This old train station in Sturgis, the New York Central Railroad Depot, reminds us of the days when trains were the main way to travel.
- Sturges-Jones Auditorium: Located in Sturgis, the Sturges-Jones Auditorium has hosted many community events.
- Three Rivers Public Library: The Three Rivers Public Library in Three Rivers is a historic building that continues to serve its community.
- White Pigeon General Land Office: In White Pigeon, the White Pigeon General Land Office was where settlers officially claimed land. It's also on the National Register.
Bridges, Mills, and Districts
Some historic sites are not just buildings, but also bridges, old mills, or even whole sections of towns that have kept their historic look.
Langley Covered Bridge
The Langley Covered Bridge is a beautiful old covered bridge north of Centreville. Covered bridges are rare today and are a charming reminder of how bridges used to be built.
Marantette Bridge
The Marantette Bridge in Mendon crosses the St. Joseph River. It's an important historic bridge and is also on the National Register.
Mottville Bridge
The Mottville Bridge in Mottville also crosses the St. Joseph River. It's another historic bridge that has been recognized nationally.
Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District
The Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District is not just one building, but a whole area in Three Rivers. It includes many old shops and buildings that show what a busy downtown looked like in the past. It's also on the National Register.
Flowerfield Mills
The Flowerfield Mills were once important mills in Flowerfield, powered by the Flowerfield Creek. Even though the original building burned, the site is still recognized for its historical importance in local industry.
Klinger's Mill and Mill Pond
Near Constantine, Klinger's Mill and Mill Pond is another historic mill site. Mills were vital for grinding grain and processing goods in early communities.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Some sites are unique and tell different parts of the county's story.
Colon / Harry Blackstone Informational Designation
This site in Colon celebrates the town's connection to Harry Blackstone, a famous magician. Colon is known as the "Magic Capital of the World," and this designation highlights that unique history.
St. Joseph County Courthouse
The St. Joseph County Courthouse in Centreville is where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. It's a grand building and is also on the National Register.
Three Rivers Informational Designation
This designation in Three Rivers highlights the overall history and importance of the city, located where three rivers meet.
White Pigeon Informational Designation
The village of White Pigeon itself is recognized as a historic area, being one of the oldest settlements in Michigan.
Chief Wahbememe Burial Site
The Chief Wahbememe Burial Site in White Pigeon honors Chief Wahbememe (also known as Chief White Pigeon), a leader of the Potawatomi people. This site is a reminder of the Native American history in the area and is on the National Register.
See also
