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Coldwater is a city rich in history, shaped by early indigenous settlements, westward expansion, and the industrial boom that transformed the Midwest. Situated in Branch County, Coldwater serves as a crucial link between Michigan's lower peninsula and northern Indiana, making it a historically significant hub for commerce, transportation, and cultural exchange. With a distinct climate that influences both daily life and local industries, as well as a unique geographical landscape characterized by lakes, rolling plains, and fertile farmland, Coldwater remains a vital part of Michigan’s economic and cultural fabric.

History

Long before European settlers arrived, Coldwater was home to the Potawatomi, an Algonquian-speaking people who thrived in the region’s lush woodlands and abundant waterways. The name “Coldwater” itself is believed to have originated from the Potawatomi term for the area’s clear, cold springs that fed into the river system. The region's natural resources made it an ideal location for indigenous settlements, with the Potawatomi relying on fishing, hunting, and agriculture to sustain their communities.

During the early 19th century, the U.S. government began negotiating treaties that displaced Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. The Treaty of Chicago (1833) led to the forced removal of the Potawatomi, many of whom were relocated west of the Mississippi River along the “Trail of Death.” Despite this displacement, Coldwater retains deep indigenous roots, with historical markers and local institutions working to preserve the heritage of the Potawatomi people.