Historic Plat Books: A Journey Through Time

Oct 21, 2024

3 min read

Van Buren County’s historic plat books are more than just maps; they are windows into the county's rich past. Thanks to the efforts of the Digital Information Department (DID), many of these historic records are being made available online in interactive, easy-to-navigate formats. From land ownership details to illustrations of buildings and citizens, these books offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Van Buren County’s early residents.

What Are Plat Books?

Plat books, historically published for counties across the U.S., map out land ownership and illustrate township boundaries. But they often go far beyond simple geography. In Van Buren County's older plat books—some dating as far back as 1860—you’ll find detailed information about farms, public spaces, and even early infrastructure like railways, roads, and schools

These maps were essential tools for anyone involved in real estate, agriculture, or community planning. Today, they serve as invaluable resources for genealogists, historians, and curious residents wanting to trace the evolution of the county’s landscape.

Key Features of Van Buren’s Historic Plat Books

Land Ownership: One of the primary functions of these plat books was to document land ownership. You’ll find the names of early residents, many of whom helped shape the development of the county. For those tracing family histories, these records are a goldmine, often showing where families lived for generations
Township and Village Maps: The books detail not only rural areas but also towns and villages. These maps depict the layout of communities like Paw Paw, Bangor, and South Haven as they looked in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Prominent Homes and Buildings: Many plat books include beautiful illustrations or photographs of notable buildings. You can see sketches of homes, businesses, and public buildings that once stood as symbols of local prosperity and growth
Biographical Information: In some editions, you might find biographical sketches of influential landowners or community leaders. These brief histories add a personal touch, offering insights into the lives and contributions of Van Buren’s early residents.
Infrastructure and Natural Features: Besides property lines, these plat books map out key infrastructure like railroads, roads, and schools, as well as natural features such as rivers, lakes, and hills. They help us visualize how people interacted with the land during the county’s formative years

Why They Matter Today

The value of these plat books extends far beyond their original purpose. For genealogists, they’re a tool for uncovering family roots. For historians, they offer clues about settlement patterns and community development over time. And for the casually curious, they provide a vivid look at what Van Buren County looked like over a century ago.

Thanks to the DID, you can explore some of these historic documents from the comfort of your home. Available plat books include those from 1873, 1895, 1906, 1912, and 1860. These digital versions are available in an interactive "flip book" format, allowing you to page through them just as people did over a hundred years ago.

How to Access These Resources

Van Buren County’s plat books offer more than just maps; they tell the story of how the community grew and evolved. Dive into these historical documents below and discover a piece of local history that connects the past with the present! HINTS: make sure to explore the toolbar at the top of each viewer to enter "Full Screen Mode", zoom into the maps, download in PDF format, and MORE!!