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The Old Mill and School House
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HISTORY
Van Buren Township was carved out of Huron Township in 1835, two
years before Michigan became a state. During its pioneer days,
several small settlements developed within the boundaries of the
township including French Landing, Rawsonville, and Belleville.
The small community of Belleville (then spelled ”Bellville”) was
platted in 1847, and the present-day pattern of streets including
Main, Liberty and High was designated. In 1875 Van Buren Township
erected a Town Hall on Belleville’s Main Street.
In 1905, despite objections of the citizenry, Belleville separated
from the township and became a village by an act of the State
Legislature. On May 14, 1946, Belleville achieved city status.
Prior to 1840, Sumpter Township was also part of Huron Township. On
April 6 of that year, Sumpter was formed and elected its first
supervisor on that same day.
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