Sodus Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sodus Township, Michigan
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Location within Berrien County
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 Sodus Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Sodus Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Michigan | |
| County | Berrien | |
| Established | 1859 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 20.0 sq mi (51.8 km2) | |
| • Land | 19.4 sq mi (50.3 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km2) | |
| Elevation | 682 ft (208 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,995 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code(s) |
49126
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| Area code(s) | 269 | |
| FIPS code | 26-74440 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1627087 | |
Sodus Township is a small area in Berrien County, Michigan, in the United States. It's like a small town or community. In 2020, about 1,995 people lived here.
Sodus Township doesn't have any big cities or towns inside it. The main part of the township is a small community also called Sodus, located in the northwest. Part of the township is also close to the bigger cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
Contents
History of Sodus Township
The first person to start a business in Sodus Township was James LaRue. In 1835, he bought land by the river to build a sawmill. This mill helped cut wood.
The first person to settle down and live there permanently was David S. Rector in 1837. He bought 40 acres of land. The township was named "Sodus" after him and his brother, William H. They came to the area by boat from a town called Sodus, New York. So, in 1859, the new township was named after their old home.
In 1853, another important building was made: a flour mill by Joab Enos. This mill helped grind grain into flour. Sodus Township officially became a township on October 11, 1859.
Tabor Farm Summer Resort
A famous place in Sodus was the Tabor Farm Summer Resort. Ernest Tabor started it in 1891. It was located right by the St. Joseph River. This resort was a popular spot during the summer months. People would go there for family reunions, big meetings, and parties.
From 1961 to 1983, a couple named Alma and Valdas Adamkus owned and managed the resort. Valdas Adamkus later became the President of Lithuania. The resort closed its doors in 1990.
Sodus Township used to have stores and shops, but today, there are no retail businesses there.
Geography and Location
Sodus Township is located in a nice area. The St. Joseph River forms most of its western edge. On the other side of the river is Royalton Township.
Sodus Township also shares small borders with other nearby areas. These include Fair Plain and Benton Charter Township to the north. To the northeast is Bainbridge Township. Pipestone Township is to the east, and Berrien Township is to the southeast. To the south, you'll find Oronoko Charter Township.
A new part of US 31, a major highway, was finished in 2003. It now goes through Sodus Township. Also, Interstate 94, another big highway, crosses the northwest part of the township.
Area Size
The total area of Sodus Township is about 51.8 square kilometers (about 20 square miles). Most of this area, 50.3 square kilometers (about 19.4 square miles), is land. The rest, about 1.5 square kilometers (about 0.6 square miles), is water.
Population Facts
In 2000, there were 2,139 people living in Sodus Township. There were 884 households, which are like homes where people live. About 570 of these were families.
The people living in Sodus Township came from different backgrounds. Most residents were White (about 87%). About 8% were African American. A small number of people were Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander. Some people were from other races, and about 2.6% were from two or more races. About 8.7% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Culture and Books
Sodus Township has even been featured in a book! The novel At Home in Old Sodus by Michael Jewell is set in Sodus Township. It gives readers a glimpse into what life might have been like there.
Notable People
- James Enright – He was a famous basketball referee and also a sportswriter in Chicago.
