Near Benton Harbor in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Fruit Belt

By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013

1. The Fruit Belt Marker

Inscription. Because of Lake Michigan's moderating effect, a narrow coastal strip from Indiana to Grand Traverse Bay, 300 miles north, is blessed by a climate uniquely suited to fruit growing. This fact was observed by the 1840's when peaches already were being shipped from Berrien County to Chicago. Apples, cherries, berries, grapes, pears, and plums added to the fame of the "fruit belt." One of the world's great fruit markets has developed here in Benton Harbor to provide an outlet for these bountiful crops.

Erected by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S155.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the Michigan Historical Commission marker series.

Location. 42° 7.438′ N, 86° 24.797′ W. Marker is near Benton Harbor, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker can be reached from Territorial Road ¼ mile east of North Crystal Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is located within the Benton Harbor Fruit Market which is a seasonal enterprise; the marker may not be accessible when the market is closed. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1891 Territorial Rd, Benton Harbor MI 49022, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the

The Benton Harbor Fruit Market and The Fruit Belt Markers image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013

2. The Benton Harbor Fruit Market and The Fruit Belt Markers

Next to office building of the Benton Harbor Fruit Market

crow flies. Benton Harbor Fruit Market (here, next to this marker); Israelite House of David / Mary's City of David (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Historic District of Mary's City of David (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Morton House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Boatbuilding Industry (approx. 3½ miles away); St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (approx. 3½ miles away); Shipbuilding in the Twin Cities (approx. 3½ miles away); Recreational Boating (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benton Harbor.

Also see . . . Benton Harbor Fruit Market. (Submitted on April 29, 2013.)

Categories. • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce •

Benton Harbor Fruit Market image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013

3. Benton Harbor Fruit Market

View from Territorial Road driveway

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on April 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on July 12, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Better photo of the marker, the surroundings, and the Benton Harbor Fruit Market rock marker below when the fruit market is open and accessible. • Can you help?