Surrounded by Watervliet Charter Township, the City of Watervliet is more of a small town, with a population of under two thousand.
Watervliet's peak population was 2,059 in 1970, although it has either remained the same or declined each census year since, to a population of 1,669 in 2020.
The Paw Paw River and Mill Creek flow through the city, and have served as an anchor for the community throughout its history, economically and socially. The city's name, Watervliet, is Dutch for "flowing water."
The chief route through the city is Red Arrow Highway, which runs roughly east-west through its downtown district, where it intersects M-140 (Main Street). I-94 also runs east-west just south of the city limits.
Cities and villages within twenty-five miles of Watervliet include Coloma, Hartford, Benton Harbor, Lawrence, St. Joseph, Bangor, South Haven, Eau Claire, Shoreham, Breedsville, Stevensville, Berrien Springs, Paw Paw, Dowagiac, Decatur, Lawton, and Baroda.
Watervliet was formed when Sumner and Wheeler built a sawmill there in 1833, and the first store in the community was opened in 1836. Smith and Merrick, who had acquired ownership of the sawmill, platted the village in 1838, and a post office was established on March 21, 1848, with Isaac M. Swain as the postmaster. At that time, Mr. Swain had become the owner of the sawmill. The post office and community were known as Watervliet, although an 1860 Gazeteer and another map from that time period recorded it as Waterford.
By the 1870s, Watervliet had expanded to the area of the new Chicago and Michigan (Pere Marquette) Railroad, which had opened a depot and water station there. In 1891, Watervliet was incorporated as a village.
By 1893, Sims and Dudley had acquired the old sawmill. Under their ownership, the sawmill was demolished, and replaced with a paper mill. Situated along the Paw Paw River, west of Main Street, the Watervliet Paper Mill operated until the late 1980s. During this time, and before, most of Watervliet's residents were employed in the mills.
While the closure of the paper mill initiated a period of decline, it was not as drastic of a decline as seen by many other communities that have suffered the loss of a major industry.
As Watervliet's timber industries came to a close, farming became an important part of the economy for the surrounding region, reflected in supporting industries within the city. Apple growing became particularly significant, with apples shipped from the train depot in Watervliet to markets in Chicago.
Watervliet was incorporated as a city in 1924.
With a total land area of 1.3 square miles, the city's parks, waterways, and downtown are accessible to pedestrian traffic. In addition to the city's sidewalk system, there are waterfront trails within the city, and school facilities are placed along the north, southwest, and eastern boundaries of Watervliet.
Paw Paw Lake, north of the city, hosts several summer cottages and permanent homes, and the City of Watervliet serves a portion of the Paw Paw Lake community.
The Red Arrow Highway and the CSX rail line link Watervliet with Paw Paw, Lawrence, and Hartford to the east, and Coloma to the west, and I-94 runs parallel to the Red Arrow Highway.
Flowing through the northern part of the city, the Paw Paw River banks are high, and the floodplains adjacent to the river have prevented development in these areas. The Paw Paw River is navigable, with short portages. from County Highway 681 in Van Buren County to Lake Michigan.
Most of the city's land area is made up of single-family neighborhoods, schools, churches, and a hospital, although some multi-family residents are scattered within single-family neighborhoods. Its commercial district is compact, except for some scattered businesses along Red Arrow Highway.
The Watervliet School District provides a K-12 curriculum through two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The city operates a police department and a volunteer fire department.
The focus of this portion of our web guide is Watervliet, Michigan. As such, online resources for the municipal government, any other governmental entities within the city, and local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Carrying products for a large range of racing and performance automotive markets, such as circle track, drag racing, open wheel, classic muscle cars and hot rods, modern muscle, pro-touring, and off-roading, the automotive equipment dealership is located in Watervliet, Michigan. Founded by George Lane in 1964, its history and a profile of the business are set forth, and its brands and products are highlighted, and available through a product lookup feature. Job openings are posted.
https://www.laneautomotive.com/
Organized in 1948, the congregation meets at its facilities along Red Arrow Highway in Watervliet, Michigan. The address and a map show the location of the church, and its worship service schedules, Bible fellowships, and other programs and events are highlighted, along with a church bulletin, statement of beliefs, and an overview of its ministries to children, teens, and adults. Leadership and staff contacts are provided, and a video archive of past sermons is available.
https://www.midwayministries.org/
Paw Paw River Campgrounds and Canoes
Laying claim to its status as the only private Paw Paw River launch access in Watervliet, Michigan, the campground seven or two-mile canoe or kayak trips, tube rentals, and launch-use access only for customers who have their own canoes or kayaks. Featuring both electric and primitive camping sites, available daily or weekly, the facility includes a dump station, a game room, restrooms, showers, recreation games, and playground equipment, with propane available for sale on site.
https://pawpawrivercampgroundandcanoes.com/
Founded by Father J. Jobs, the original church building was constructed in 1896, with Father William Hayden as the first resident pastor. Its current church was dedicated in 1961, and the Watervliet parish became part of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in 1971. Its history, photographs, and staff introductions are set forth, along with policies and schedules for its liturgy, sacraments, faith formation, and other ministries. A calendar of events is included, and contributions may be made online.
https://stjcatholic.net/
Situated in northeastern Berrien County, and surrounded by Watervliet Charter Township, the city was incorporated as a village in 1891, and as a city in 1924. The official municipal website allows residents and others to view meeting agendas and minutes, as well as the city's master plan, download various forms and documents, make online payments, and subscribe for notifications of city alerts, news, and announcements. Departments and boards are identified, and a guide to area schools is posted.
http://www.watervliet.org/
Serving the city and township of Watervliet, Michigan, the public school district offers a K-12 curriculum through Watervliet North Elementary School, Watervliet South Elementary School, and Watervliet Middle/High School, each of which is featured here, with addresses, maps, and contacts for each. A district calendar, newsletter, and school boundaries map are displayed, along with employment and volunteer opportunities, and online resources for students and parents.
https://www.watervlietps.org/
