columbiatwp

columbiatwp COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP

Columbia Township was formed from South Haven in 1845. There are several different soils and terrain's in Columbia, making for good farming. Blueberries and fruit such as apples, cherries, and peaches are abundant in the township.

Although lumbering was the principal occupation of the people in earlier years, most of the lumber has been taken, leaving several nice woods in the township which keep the deer at a high number.

There are thirteen lakes in the township. The Black River also flows through Columbia. In earlier days the river was one of the main waterways used by the Pottawattami Indians and the early settlers. The land around the lakes was wet and considered pretty worthless in early days. Today, it is some of the most expensive property in the Township and homes and subdivisions are around most of the lakes.

Two railroads were in Columbia Township. Both of these tracks were opened in 1870. The Kalamazoo and South Branch of the Michigan Central Railroad which ran east and west and which is no longer used. Also The Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore which is now the Chesapeake and Ohio and runs from Chicago to Grand Rapids.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS

EARLY SETTLERS

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP ASSESSMENT ROLLS FOR 1839

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS - 1845

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP FAMILIES

CEMETERIES

        BERLAMONT (THOMPSON)
        BREEDSVILLE
        GRAND JUNCTION
        SACRED HEART CATHOLIC

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP PICTURES

DENNIS FARM - 1880

VILLAGES - TOWNS

BREEDSVILLE

GRAND JUNCTION

COLUMBIA

Return to Van Buren Home Page

Return to Township Page