History of Warren Township
From the lumber boom era to modern community life, explore the rich history of Warren Township and Coleman, Michigan.
Quick Facts
1800s
34.9 square miles
2,040 (2020 Census)
Midland County (NW corner)
Coleman Community Schools
Tobacco River
Timeline
First Sawmill Built
The first sawmill was constructed in the area, marking the beginning of the lumber industry that would define the region for decades.
Coleman Settled
The community of Coleman was settled when the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad was built through the area. The town was named for Norman Coleman, a railroad investor.
Narrow-Gauge Spur to Mt. Pleasant
The Pere Marquette Railroad built a 3-foot narrow-gauge spur line running 14.5 miles to Mt. Pleasant, expanding rail connections for the growing lumber industry.
Lumber Boom Era
Coleman became a full lumber town with a railroad station, lumber and shingle mills, hotels, and a town hall. The narrow-gauge spur was converted to standard gauge. At its peak, the area supported 20-30 mills, 3 banks, and 20 saloons.
Coleman Incorporated as Village
Coleman was officially incorporated as a Village within Warren Township, establishing formal local governance for the growing community.
Coleman Becomes 4th Class City
Coleman was incorporated as a 4th Class City in the State of Michigan, reflecting its growth and establishment as a permanent community beyond the lumber era.
Electricity Arrives
Electric power was brought to the Coleman area, modernizing homes and businesses throughout Warren Township.
City Water System Installed
A municipal water system was installed in Coleman, providing clean and reliable water service to residents.
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Opens
The first section of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail opened, converting the former railroad corridor into a recreational trail. The trail would eventually reach Coleman in 1995.
Pre-Settlement Era
Before European settlement, the lands of what is now Warren Township were home to the Chippewa (Ojibwe) people. The Tobacco River, which flows through the township, provided sustenance and served as a transportation corridor. Dense forests of white pine and hardwoods covered the landscape.
Railroad & Lumber Era
The arrival of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad in 1871 transformed the area virtually overnight. Coleman quickly grew into a bustling lumber town, with the railroad providing the means to ship vast quantities of timber to markets throughout Michigan and beyond. By 1884, the town boasted 20 to 30 sawmills, multiple banks, hotels, and a thriving commercial district.
Growth & Development
As the lumber supply diminished in the early 1900s, Warren Township and Coleman transitioned to an agricultural economy. Farms replaced forests, and the community adapted. Coleman's incorporation as a 4th Class City in 1905 signaled its permanence. The arrival of electricity in 1910 and a municipal water system in 1951 marked steady modernization.
Modern Era
Today, Warren Township encompasses 34.9 square miles in the northwest corner of Midland County, bordered by Gladwin, Isabella, and Clare counties. The township includes state forest land managed by the Michigan DNR. The Pere Marquette Rail Trail, which opened through Coleman in 1995, has become a premier recreational asset connecting the community to Midland and Clare.
Have historical photos or stories?
We would love to hear from you. Share your memories of Warren Township and Coleman with the community.
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