Cass County, MICass County, Michigan, was established in 1828 during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and named after Lewis Cass who served as territorial governor of the area at the time. Cass was known for his ability to establish treaties with the Native Americans which enabled the white man to settle in the area.
Cities and villages within this county include Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Cassopolis, Vandalia and Marcellus. Boasting a population of more than 51,100, this region is rich in history and resources.
In the early to mid 19th century, Cass County residents became known for their anti-slavery position. The Underground Railroad ran through Cassopolis village (currently the county seat), assisting slaves to freedom. One story reveals how, in 1947, a group of Kentucky slave owners came to Cass County to reclaims runaway slaves. The group was overcome by farmers and residents who surrounded and threatened them.
Today the area provides more than 250 lakes for waterfront living and water sports. The nature preserves scattered throughout present opportunities for hiking, camping and bird watching.
Over the course of time, the county’s industry has slowly transformed from agricultural to tourism. In May residents and visitors can enjoy the Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival featuring dancers, storytellers, novelists and songwriters, then in August experience the Cass County Fair with livestock auctions, Bullmania and a demolition derby. The Pioneer Log Cabin Museum located on M-60 at Stone Lake was constructed from logs in 1923 and contains a historical collection of the region’s first settlers and preserved animals, including the now extinct passenger pigeon. | More Local Area InformationThe “Grand Old City” of southwestern Michigan, Dowagiac, located in Cass County, was named after the Native American word meaning “foraging ground.... Read moreThe first settlers of Cassopolis were the Putnams, a small family from Indiana who took up residence in October of 1825. Their humble floorless hom... Read moreCass County, Michigan, was established in 1828 during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and named after Lewis Cass who served as territorial governo... Read moreSquire Isaac Thompson built the first homestead in Berrien County in 1823. The county became official in 1831 and received its name from U.S. Senato... Read moreOriginally populated by the Potawatami Indians, Van Buren County, Mich., is considered “Michigan’s Fruit Basket.” Sometime in the mid 1800s, settler... Read moreAt the southernmost tip of Michigan, on the banks of the St. Joseph River, the first settlers set up Fort St. Joseph and a trading post in 1691... Read moreA Cass County village, Edwardsburg, Mich., provides a country setting in a quiet environment. This small community is located just northeast of Sout... Read moreBerrien Springs, Michigan, received its namesake from John M. Berrien, a U.S. Senator and Attorney General serving under President Andrew Jackson. I... Read morePrior to 1883, the region now known as Granger, Indiana, served as a depot for Lake Huron and Chicago Railroad. The only structures that existed a... Read moreSaint Joseph County is located on the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River in northern Indiana. The river dips down into Indiana from Michigan... Read moreSouth Bend, Indiana, is the fourth largest city in Indiana and the county seat of St. Joseph County. According to the 2006 census, the population wa... Read moreToday South Bend is a thriving city with a diverse population of around 105,000 people. It continues to be the seat of county government, as well a... Read moreThe city of South Bend is located along the St. Joseph River in North Central Indiana, approximately 10 miles south of the Michigan state line.... Read moreWith so much to offer its residents—a vibrant arts community, intriguing historic districts, and an array of attractions—South Bend is a great plac... Read moreLocated in the heart of Amish Country, Elkhart, Indiana, is the birth place of Alka Seltzer and claims to have produced more patents than any othe... Read moreElkhart County, Indiana, offers a mix of urban and rural living with a population of nearly 200,000. The large Amish population contributes to th... Read moreMishawaka, Indiana, established in 1899, is the birthplace of the Hummer (produced by AM General) and home to approximately 49,000 people. The city’... Read moreSituated amidst the beautiful hills and wineries of Southwest Michigan, Mattawan provides a rural setting with a growing community. This charmin... Read moreA small town in Elkhart County, Bristol was founded by European settlers approximately 200 years ago. Today, Bristol looks forward to the future wit... Read moreIn 1840 Three Rivers, Mich., was named for the three rivers—Rocky, Portage and St. Joseph River—that flow together to become one. In 1895, th... Read more |
