City Of Niles administrative offices are located at 333 N 2nd St Niles, MI 49120, Phone: 269-683-4700.
The history of Niles, Michigan [†] is defined by its strategic location along the St. Joseph River and its role as a crossroads of colonial powers, Indigenous trade, and early American settlement. Over the course of nearly a century, four different flags—French, British, Spanish, and American—flew over the area, earning it recognition as the “Four Flags Area.”
Colonial Beginnings and the Four Flags
The first European presence in the Niles area dates to 1684, when French Jesuit missionaries arrived to work among the Miami and Potawatomi tribes. In 1691, the French established Fort St. Joseph along the St. Joseph River, which became the foundation for future settlement.
In 1761, control of the fort shifted when the French surrendered it to the British. Shortly thereafter, France ceded its Mississippi River territories to Spain in 1762. This transfer led to conflict, culminating in 1781 when Spanish militia forces, aided by Native allies, captured Fort St. Joseph and raised the Spanish flag. The Spanish occupation was brief, however, and the fort was soon abandoned.
In 1783, American forces took control of the site, raising the Stars and Stripes and marking the final change of sovereignty. This transition firmly placed the region under American authority.
Early Settlement and City Development
Permanent settlement in the Niles area did not begin until the early 1820s. On August 1, 1829, the Village of Niles was officially platted. The community continued to grow and was incorporated as a city in 1835, signaling its emergence as an organized urban center.
Over time, Niles evolved from a rural settlement into an industrial city. Several of its early industries remained active for many years, reflecting the city’s economic resilience and adaptability.
Notable Figures Associated with Niles
Niles is notable for its connection to several prominent individuals in American history. Among them are Aaron Montgomery Ward, founder of the pioneering mail-order business; Dr. Fred Bonine, an internationally recognized eye specialist; and John and Horace Dodge, creators of the first Dodge automobile. These figures reflect the city’s broader influence beyond its geographic size.
Significance of Fort St. Joseph
Fort St. Joseph was a major center of social, political, economic, and religious activity during the colonial era in southwest Michigan. Founded by the French in 1691, the fort functioned as a mission, military garrison, and trading post for nearly a century.
By the 1730s, the fort had become one of the most important colonial outposts in the western Great Lakes region. It served as a critical link in the communications and trade network of New France, facilitating the exchange of furs obtained from Native American trading partners for European goods such as glass beads, textiles, iron tools, and brass kettles.
Archaeological Uncertainty and Legacy
Despite its historical importance, Fort St. Joseph remains relatively understudied and largely unknown to the general public. No detailed maps or drawings survive that clearly document the fort’s size, layout, or structural composition. Key details, including the number and appearance of buildings within the palisade, remain uncertain.
Even the precise location of the fort eluded archaeologists for many years and has only been identified with greater confidence in recent times. This lack of documentation continues to make Fort St. Joseph an important subject for ongoing historical and archaeological research.
† Adapted from: City of Niles, https://www.berriencounty.org/ PDF, 2012, accessed January, 2026.