Covert Township (Van Buren County)

About the Township

A Brief History

Covert Township has a rich and fascinating history dating back centuries. Long before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Pottawatomi. The early 1800s marked the beginning of European settlement in the region, as pioneers began to clear the land for agriculture and timber.

Covert was initially called Deerfield upon its split from South Haven Township in 1855, until it was renamed Covert in 1877. The name “Covert”; was chosen to reflect the secluded nature of the area at the time. Covert Township has a rich history of early racial integration, dating back to the 1860s. Black and white residents together shared a public school, were elected to public office and were buried next to each other in the historic Covert Cemetery before it was legal.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Covert Township experienced significant growth and development. The lumber industry boomed, followed by a thriving fruit orchard business. The arrival of the railroad in 1888 further connected the township to the wider region.

In the early 20th century, Covert Township became a popular destination for summer vacationers from Chicago and other nearby cities. The township’s natural splendors and peaceful atmosphere continues to attract visitors seeking a respite from urban life.