Branch was the first seat of Branch County, Michigan, so designated in 1831.[1] The settlement and county derive their name from John Branch, then Secretary of the US Navy.[2]
History
The village of Mason was initially selected to be the first seat of Branch County at inauguration, however due to a procedural error the decision was declared void and the as-then unbuilt village of Branch was selected as the first seat.[3] A post office operated from 1835 to 1864.[1] The seat was moved to Coldwater in 1842[2] and the village gradually died out.