See what’s special about Hillsdale County

Officially established in 1835, Hillsdale County has a rich history dating back to 1821 when Chief Topinabee and the United States Government signed the Treaty of Chicago which opened south central Michigan to settlement. The Pottawattamie Indians, led by Chief Baw Beese, inhabited the area at the time and were welcoming to the white settlers. Chief Baw Beese and his tribe reluctantly moved west in 1840 with other Indian tribes who were forced out of Michigan.

In 1827, the family of Captain Moses Allen, the first non-indigenous people to journey down the Sauk Trail, settled the Village of Allen.

A year later, W.P. Jones III and his family settled just to the east along the Sauk Trail (today known as US-12 or Chicago Road) in what is now the City of Jonesville. As the original county seat and first established center of commerce in Hillsdale County, Jonesville thrived as a popular stopping point between Chicago and Detroit.

The City of Hillsdale began to prosper in 1832 when John B. Cook and Chauncey Ferris arrived from New York State and built a flour mill. Later known as the F.W. Stock and Sons Mill, it was for many years the largest flour mill in the United States east of Duluth, Minnesota. Settlers continued pouring into the area, and, in 1843, Hillsdale became the county seat. Also in 1843, the first railroad west of Toledo reached the city, and Hillsdale remained an important rail center for many years. A decade later, Adam Howder built a tavern and Hillsdale continued its rapid growth, becoming the largest community in Hillsdale County. Founded in 1844 as Michigan Central College in Spring Arbor, MI, internationally-known Hillsdale College assumed the city’s name and relocated there in 1853.

In 1835, a small community originally called Basswood Corners for a stand of basswood trees growing nearby became the City of Reading. With the arrival of a railroad station in 1869, Reading experienced a building boom and increased economic activity. Like many communities in Hillsdale County, the City of Litchfield, initially incorporated as a village in 1877, also benefitted economically in the mid-1800s from the arrival of the railroad.

Camden, Jerome, Montgomery, Mosherville, Osseo, Pittsford, Somerset, and Waldron are other communities whose early beginnings helped shape the history of Hillsdale County.

Booking now for the 2024 season!

The wedding will be from 12 pm on Fridays (allowing rehearsal and dinner at cost) until 10 am on Sundays. There are several location options for outdoor weddings, including a beautiful bridge For all other events or questions contact us for more details!

Wedding bookings will be from 12 pm (allowing rehearsal and dinner at cost) until 10 am on Sundays. There are several location options for outdoor weddings, including a beautiful bridge. For all other events or questions contact us for more details!

517-398-7944