Pipestone Township, Michigan
| Pipestone Township, Michigan | |
|---|---|
| Township | |
 Pipestone Township
|
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| Coordinates: 42°1′52″N 86°17′27″W / 42.03111°N 86.29083°WCoordinates: 42°1′52″N 86°17′27″W / 42.03111°N 86.29083°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Berrien |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.9 sq mi (93.0 km2) |
| • Land | 35.5 sq mi (92.0 km2) |
| • Water | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 748 ft (228 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 2,312 |
| • Density | 65/sq mi (25.1/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| FIPS code | 26-64480 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626908 |
| Website | www |
Pipestone Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,312 at the 2010 census. The township was organized on February 16, 1842.
The first settler in the township was James Kirk, who moved with his family to Niles, Michigan, in 1833 and then established a residence in Pipestone in April 1837. In the fall of 1837, Dr. Morgan Enos moved from Bainbridge Township and settled at a point that became known as "Shanghai Corners", because, according to local history, Dr. Enos was the first to bring Shanghai chickens into the township. Joab Enos, a brother of Dr. Enos, moved into the township in 1838. He and William Boughton laid out a village known first as "Pipestone", and later as "Shanghai". Although only a few lots were sold, a post office was established in the village in 1846, and later there was a store operated by John Garrow.
The word "pipestone" refers to a red stone, known today as catlinite, which is used to make the bowls of some Indian ceremonial pipes. Pipestone Creek was so named because Native Americans have found material for making pipes along its course. The name was later extended to Pipestone Township.
Two tributaries of the St. Joseph River drain the township: Pipestone Creek in the north and Farmers Creek in the south. M-140 runs north-south through the township.
Sodus Township lies to the west, Benton Charter Township to the northwest, Bainbridge Township to the north, Van Buren County to the northeast, Cass County to the east, and Berrien Township to the south.
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