Community

Van Buren Township was created out of Huron Township on April 6, 1835.

The Township was named for Martin Van Buren, the eighth president of the United States (1836-1840).  At the time it was formed, the Township already had a population upwards of 500 residents.  Elections were held almost immediately, and the first Township officials were elected.

On January 26, 1837, Michigan was admitted to the Union.  At almost the same time, the land granting process in Van Buren Township drew to a close. It was January 21, 1837, when Zachariah E. Adams received patent #26388, the last regular grant issued in the Township.

Until the year 1875, the Township business was conducted in private homes. The question of erecting a township hall was put to the voters in the spring of 1875.  As a result, $1500.00 was apportioned, and construction of a one-story brick building was begun.  On September 2, 1875, the voters agreed to allow the Grange Society to pay for a second story.  The building was completed in November 1875 and is currently the home of the Belleville Area Museum.