Pipestone Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pipestone Township, Michigan
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Location within Berrien County (red) and an administered portion of the Eau Claire village (pink)
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 Pipestone Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Pipestone Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Michigan | |
| County | Berrien | |
| Established | 1842 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 35.9 sq mi (93.0 km2) | |
| • Land | 35.5 sq mi (92.0 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km2) | |
| Elevation | 748 ft (228 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,177 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code(s) |
49047, 49111
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| Area code(s) | 269 | |
| FIPS code | 26-64480 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626908 | |
Pipestone Township is a local government area called a civil township. It is located in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. In 2020, about 2,177 people lived here. The township was officially formed on February 16, 1842.
Contents
History of Pipestone Township
The first person to settle in Pipestone Township was James Kirk. He moved his family here in April 1837. Before that, they lived in Niles, Michigan.
Early Settlers and Shanghai Corners
In the fall of 1837, Dr. Morgan Enos moved to the area. He came from Bainbridge Township. He settled in a spot that became known as "Shanghai Corners." This name came about because Dr. Enos was said to be the first to bring a type of chicken called "Shanghai chickens" (also known as Cochin chickens) to the township.
Dr. Enos's brother, Joab Enos, moved to the township in 1838. He and William Boughton planned a village. They first called it "Pipestone," but later it was known as "Shanghai." Not many land lots were sold there. However, a post office opened in the village in 1846. Later, John Garrow ran a store in the area.
The Name "Pipestone"
The name "pipestone" comes from a special red stone. This stone is now called catlinite. It was used by Native Americans to make the bowls of their ceremonial pipes. Pipestone Creek, a local stream, was named because Native Americans found this stone along its banks. The name "Pipestone" was then used for the entire township.
Communities in Pipestone Township
Pipestone Township is mostly a farming area. It does not have many large towns.
- The village of Eau Claire is partly in Pipestone Township. The other part is in Berrien Township to the south. There are no other official towns or cities completely inside Pipestone Township.
- Pleasant Valley was once a small post office in the countryside. It was open from May 11, 1870, until September 18, 1874.
Geography of Pipestone Township
Pipestone Township has two streams that flow into the St. Joseph River. These streams are called Pipestone Creek in the northern part and Farmers Creek in the southern part. The state road M-140 goes through the township from north to south.
Neighboring Areas
Pipestone Township is surrounded by other townships and counties:
- To the west is Sodus Township.
- To the northwest is Benton Charter Township.
- To the north is Bainbridge Township.
- To the northeast is Van Buren County.
- To the east is Cass County.
- To the south is Berrien Township.
Land and Water Area
The township covers a total area of about 93.0 square kilometers (35.9 square miles). Most of this area, about 92.0 square kilometers (35.5 square miles), is land. The remaining 1.1 square kilometers (0.4 square miles), or about 1.16%, is water.
Population and People
In the year 2000, there were 2,474 people living in Pipestone Township. These people lived in 842 households, and 661 of these were families.
Age and Gender
The population in 2000 was spread out by age:
- About 26.6% of the people were under 18 years old.
- About 8.9% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 28.4% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 23.0% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 13.1% were 65 years old or older.
The average age of people in the township was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were about 103 males.
