Surrounded by Litchfield Township, the city of Litchfield is in the northwest segment of Hillsdale County, in the south-central Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
The Saint Joseph River flows through the city, near the downtown area.
The chief routes through the city are M-99 (Homer Road, Marshall Street), Litchfield Road (Saint Joe Street), and M-49 (Anderson Road), which begins in downtown Litchfield. Mosherville Road forms a portion of the city's northern boundary, while Herring Road forms most of its southern boundaries, except for a small section that extends further south.
Cities and villages within twenty miles of Litchfield include Allen, Jonesville, Homer, Quincy, Hillsdale, Hanover, North Adams, Reading, Albion, Concord, Tekonsha, Coldwater, and Montgomery.
One of the first European-Americans traveling through the area was Andrew K. Bushnell, a 22-year-old New Yorker, who later acquired land in Litchfield. It is believed that the area that was to become Litchfield was first settled by Samuel Riblet and Henry Stevens in 1834. A couple of years later, in 1836, the townsite was platted by Hervey and David Lewis Smith, and recorded as Smithville. A post office was established on February 3, 1837, with Hervey Smith as postmaster. Although the post office was first named Columbus, it was renamed Litchfield on August 12, 1837, for the Connecticut hometown of some of its early settlers.
During the 1850s, the area began to transition from its pioneer period to an agricultural economy. By that time, the community has about seventy-five houses, although some of its early residents traveled west in response to the California Gold Rush. A resident, Simon Hadley, struck gold and returned to Litchfield, building a home on Herring Road. In 1853, a four-room school building was built, replacing a small school that had been built in 1837. Each room housed three grades.
Most of the town's older boys and young men served for the Union Army during the American Civil War, and forty-four of them lost their lives during the conflict.
In 1872, the Northern Central Michigan Railroad extended its line through Litchfield, opening a station in the community. As was the case in several other communities, the railroad brought growth to the community, and the village was incorporated on March 12, 1877.
Litchfield's first library opened in the 1870s, telephone lines came through in 1885, and the village had kerosene street lamps by 1889. Between 1903 and 1904, the village hall and jail were moved to the corner of Jonesville and Stock Streets, and the jail building was replaced in late 1904.
Litchfield was incorporated as a city in 1970, its city charter approved on July 9.
Litchfield first appeared on a census roll in 1880, with a population of 1,029. However, by 1890, it had dropped to 601, remaining under a thousand until 1970. It currently has a population of just over 1,300.
The focus of this portion of our guide is on the Hillsdale County city of Litchfield, Michigan. Appropriate topics include online resources for the municipal government, as well as local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, sports activities, and recreational opportunities.
Recommended Resources
The official municipal website features the history of the community, a street map, zoning map, boundary map, and other maps of the city, as well as job postings, official notices, ordinances and resolutions, the city's master plan, and downloadable applications, forms, and other documents. The city council, and various boards, committees, and departments are identified, with contacts, agendas, and minutes. Also included is a guide to local services, schools, the library, and businesses.
https://www.cityoflitchfield.org/
Situated on one campus, the public school district operates an elementary, middle, and high school program. District news, departmental contacts, office hours, and a staff directory are set forth, along with employment opportunities, items for sale, and various student, parent, and staff resources. A school calendar, athletics, and sports schedules, and an overview of its distance learning programs are included. High School transcripts may be requested through the site.
https://www.litchfieldschools.com/
The public library's location and hours are posted on the site, which includes a guide o its summer reading program, book club, and other programs and notices, as well as to its books, audiobooks, magazines, book drop, free library cards, computer and Internet access, free Notary Public services, computer classes, movie rentals, job search, and other services. A calendar of events is presented, the library board is identified, and board meeting schedules are posted.
http://www.litchfielddistrictlibrary.org/
Offering a wide range of auto repair services since 1989, the Litchfield, Michigan shop provides 4x4 services, air conditioning repairs, brake services, car and truck care, electrical and electronic services, engine and transmission repairs, tires and tire services, under-car care, and miscellaneous auto services, which are outlined here, along with its products, location, hours of operation, an appointment request form, and contacts. Repair tips are published on the site.
https://www.shawandsonautorepair.net/
The dental clinic is located on Marshall Street in Litchfield, Michigan. Directions, office hours, and contacts are published on the site, and the dental physician is introduced, including his education, certifications, and professional memberships. Appointments may be made online or by telephone. The dental services provided include cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns, implants, oral surgery, teeth whitening, endodontics, dental imaging, and oral health care, and payment options are listed.
https://www.tfdlitchfield.com/
