The McIntefers and several other families arrive and settle at the confluence of the St. Joseph, Rocky, and Portage Rivers
The Indian Removal Act is signed into effect by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830, granting the President the power to take Native-owned lands within existing US borders, in exchange for granting them lands west of the Mississippi. The relocation efforts were largely resisted by Native communities.
Jacob McInterfer begins the construction of the first mill in Lockport, and Mishael Beadle completes it. This marks the beginning of Lockports and Three Rivers legacy of manufacturing.
“Lockport” village, now known as Second Ward, is platted in 1836. The village of Three Rivers is also platted the same year.
Michigan is granted statehood.
First schoolhouse of three rivers community is erected: Page 60 of St. Joseph County in Homespun.
The forced removal of Potawatomi from their remaining lands in Indiana, to Kansas. In their 661 Mile journey to Kansas, more than 40 people, mostly children, died.
A Dam is put up across the St. Joseph, and a canal is put in through Lockport. The first paper mill (originally an axe-handle and spokes factory) uses the canal for power.
The American Civil War begins. A host of Three Rivers and St. Joseph county citizens are enlisted. Meanwhile, construction of many of Three Rivers’ downtown brick buildings begins.
