The Michigan Town Named After a Rhode Island Rebellion

From 1841-1842, there was an uprising in Rhode Island. This rebellion was instigated by T.W. Dorr, who demanded changes to Rhode Island's electoral rules. It seems they were still adhering to an old colonial constitution from 1663 that stated in order to vote, you had to own $134 worth of land and be Caucasian.

According to New England Today, it was a war, but mostly of words instead of firearms. It went on for two months – with separate armies – but they couldn't seem to locate one another for a conflict. The only casualty was an innocent bystander, who was accidently shot.

However, Dorr was captured in 1843 and sent to prison for life; but his popularity with the Rhode Islanders forced his release in 1845. He died in 1854 and most of the changes he was fighting for finally happened in 1888. The incident is historically referred to as the Dorr Rebellion.

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A man named Frank Neuman came to Michigan and made a settlement in 1847. A railroad came through in 1869, bringing more settlers and businesses. One of the settlers happened to be from Rhode Island and suggested the name of the town & township should be dubbed after his hero, the above-mentioned T.W. (Thomas Wilson) Dorr. From then on, the township and village would forevermore be known as Dorr, in Allegan County.

By the year 1880, Dorr had a good many shops, stores, and businesses. Two hotels – Birney House and National Hotel – housed traveling businessmen and travelers. There was also a library, school, churches, grocery, and general store.

Nowadays, Dorr's Halloween celebrations are always fun - with the Salem Corn Maze, Witches Woods, and Zombie Attack. Find out more HERE.

Aside from that, it still makes a good roadtrip drive-thru.