Eaton County, Michigan

Eaton County is located in central/lower Michigan, with Charlotte as the county seat. It was organized in 1837, named after John Eaton, Secretary of War under Andrew Jackson. Beginning in the mid 1820�s, many pioneers coming from New York and New England helped settle the area, which was known for its rich soil and agricultural potential. Its first major community was Bellevue, where a unique sandstone, later known as Eaton Sandstone, was discovered-eventually used for mortar in the State Capital Building. Another early community, just a few miles away, was Olivet, where in 1844, a college was begun by the Congregationalists, an anti-slavery denomination which at that time led the way in admitting blacks as well as women.

Today, Eaton County has retained much of its agricultural tradition, still one of the leaders in dry bean and wheat production in the state. It has also kept its Early American, New-England-like atmosphere, as exemplified by Vermontville, which celebrates its annual Maple Syrup Festival the last weekend in April. Tourism also plays a significant role, especially at Grand Ledge, which sits high atop sandstone cliff formations along the Grand River, with a view worth the trip. The historic Island Park in Eaton Rapids is another unique attraction, where you can picnic, feed the ducks, or just spend a lazy afternoon fishing along the Grand.

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