History of Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Benton Harbor’s first settlers were Eleazar and Joanna Morton. Eleazar purchased 160 acres of land in Benton Township, and in 1836, he and his wife and children moved into a log cabin on a site located in the middle of present day Main Street.

michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu

Benton Harbor was originally founded as Brunson Harbor in 1860 after Sterne Brunson. Mr. Brunson was one of three men that undertook constructing the mile-long canal from Lake Michigan.

michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu

In 1865 Brunson Harbor was renamed Benton Harbor after U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton. The city was named after him due to his immense support for Michigan’s bid for statehood.

michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu

1895 - Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor, a city of Berrien co., Mich., in Benton township, on Lake Michigan, at the confluence of the St. Joseph and Paw Paw Rivers, 60 miles by water E.N.E. of Chicago, 16 miles N.W. of Berrien Springs, and 86 miles by rail S.S.W. of Grand Rapids. Two weekly and 1 daily newspaper are published here. It is in a great fruit region. Large quantities of fruits and other produce are shipped here in steamboats. It has 5 churches, 2 banks, a graded school, and manufactures of flour, lumber, furniture, fruit-baskets, pickles, cooperage, and wood-working machinery. It has also a normal and collegiate institute, and is a railroad terminus. Pop. in 1890, 3692.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

The House of David (formally The Israelite House of David) is a religious society co-founded by Benjamin and Mary Purnell in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in March 1903.
The House of David was a religious group. Some would say it was a cult.

For years, they had their own zoo and amusement park, their own electricity plant, their own hospital, their own schools, and dozens of their own businesses. They built elaborate mansions to house all their followers. They even fielded one of the most popular baseball teams in the country at one time. They were like a city within a city, and when people out here talk about the old days, they inevitably mention the legend of the House of David...

It all came crashing down in the 1920s, when more than a dozen girls in the colony told authorities they’d had sex with Benjamin Purnell while they were still underage. Sex with the leader, they claimed, was presented to them as a necessary step in their salvation...
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Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Benton Harbor:
Jean Klock Park Beach: Start your visit with some sun and sand at Jean Klock Park Beach. This beautiful, well-maintained beach offers pristine Lake Michigan views, sandy shores, and picnic areas for a relaxing day by the water.

St. Joseph River: If you enjoy water activities, consider kayaking or canoeing on the St. Joseph River. It's a scenic and peaceful way to explore the area's natural beauty.

Silver Beach County Park: Just a short drive away in St. Joseph, Silver Beach County Park is a popular spot for beachgoers. It features a lovely beach, a playground for kids, and the Silver Beach Carousel, a historic amusement ride.

Whirlpool Compass Fountain: Head to the heart of Benton Harbor to see the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. This interactive fountain delights visitors with its synchronized water and light displays. It's especially enjoyable during the warm months when you can cool off in the splash pad.

North Pier Lighthouse: Explore the historic North Pier Lighthouse,... Read MORE...