Van Buren County has been referred to as Michigan's Fruit Basket with some of the best Asparagus harvested in May, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Blueberries and Peaches through the summer ending with Apples and Grapes in the fall.   The county was named after the 8th President of the United States , Martin Van Buren, and was organized in 1837.    The area was originally inhabited by the Pottawatomie Indians and was primarily settled by Dutch Immigrants from New York . It did not take long for the settlers to realize how favorable the soil was for growing fruits, and grapes became a major crop.   Some of the best grapes in the nation are grown in the City of Paw Paw , located at the Junction of M-40 and Interstate 94.   Paw Paw is the county seat and was named after the river that flows through it.   The Indians named the river after "the place where the Paw Paw fruit grows". The Paw Paw is the largest edible fruit native to America and is also referred to as, "a Poor Man's Banana", or "Hoosier Banana ." American Indians are given credit for cultivating the Paw Paw from Kansas to Texas . Currently the plant is being studied for substances it contains that have some promising anti-cancer and pesitcidal properties. Today the city of Paw Paw is known for its wineries and thus is known as, "The Center of Michigan's Wine Country." Another city to the south is, Decatur , known as the home of Edgar Bergen, who at age 11, taught himself to become one of the most famous ventriloquists ever, performing with his hand carved puppet and lifelong sidekick, named Charlie McCarthy. Today some of his memorabilia can be seen at the local "Hard Times Family Restaurant".   Due the location of the city of South Haven , it flourished from the late 1800's to the 1930's during the summer resort season.   At one time thousands of visitors arrived daily by steamer or by train to vacation in the area.   The business steadily declined as people began to travel more by automobile and it ended officially in 1940 when the passenger steamer service was discontinued.   Van Buren County also contains South Haven, home to the Captain Nichols Perch Party Boat that has been in the water since 1960.   Captain Don Senior and his son Captain Don Junior operate 2 Perch fishing Party boats throughout the summer.   It's a great opportunity to spend a half a day and catch some very tasty Lake Michigan Yellow Perch that are filleted and ready for the pan upon your return to shore.   The other half of day you can kick back and walk the pier that is the outlook for the Black River into Lake Michigan .   With 20 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 133 lakes, numerous rivers and streams, not to mention the miles of fertile farmland make is a prized destination in Outdoor Michigan.

Van Buren County Websites and Locations of Interest

http://www.infomi.com/county/vanburen/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Buren_County%2C_Michigan