Saint Joseph County, Michigan

St. Joseph derives its name from the river which bisects the county, named by La Salle for the patron saint of New France.

The region was occupied in prehistoric times by the race called "Mound Builders". Later residents were the Potawatomie and Miami tribes. Pioneers were drawn to the area by the fertile prairie lands which were well-suited for agriculture. The first settlements were at Sturgis, Mottville, and White Pigeon in 1826-27.

Logging occurred in St. Joseph County mainly as a way to free more of the sandy loam for agriculture. The first crop to be sown was wheat. In the early days, the harvested crops were shipped via the St. Joseph River.

Today both agriculture and industry fuel the economy in St. Joseph County. General farming includes corn for grain, soybeans, wheat, oats. alfalfa, vegetables and hog raising.

There are also resorts on the county's many lakes and rivers that facilitate sports and recreation.

The Langley Covered Bridge, located three miles north of Centreville, was built in 1887. It is the longest covered bridge in Michigan, and one of the few remaining structures of its kind.

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