Belleville in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Van Buren Township Hall

Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 18, 2016

1. Old Van Buren Township Hall Marker

Inscription. Van Buren Township was organized out of Huron Township by an act of the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan in 1835. Township business was conducted from homes until this building was completed in 1875. The original plans called for a one-story structure; however, shortly after construction began, the local Grange offered to pay for a second story to be used for its meetings. In a special election, township voters accepted the proposal. As the Grange declined in popularity, the second floor became a community meeting hall. For a short time during the 1930s, the basement served as a jail. In 1952 the Grange relinquished its portion to the township. The building served as a township hall until 1959.

Erected 1983 by Michigan History Division, Department of State, GFWC-Belleville Junior Study Club, Van Buren Twp. Historic Dist. Study Commission. (Marker Number L255.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 42° 12.495′ N, 83° 29.451′ W. Marker is in Belleville, Michigan, in Wayne County.

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Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and 4th Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 Main Street, Belleville MI 48111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle (approx. 0.4 miles away); French Landing Dam and Powerhouse (approx. 2.7 miles away); Old Rawsonville Village (approx. 2.7 miles away); Willow Run (approx. 4.1 miles away); Merrill-Morris House (approx. 4.4 miles away); Morris Homestead (approx. 4½ miles away); Sheldon's Corners (approx. 4.6 miles away); Territorial Road (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belleville.

Additional commentary.
1. Belleville Area Museum
The Old Van Buren Township Hall is now the Belleville Area Museum.

— Submitted October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Old Van Buren Township Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 18, 2016

2. Old Van Buren Township Hall and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 368 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.