In 1829, brothers Peter and James Godfroy from Detroit established a trading post on this site, which was then called Nottawaseepe by the local Potawatomi, who had merged with some Odawa and Ojibwa (or, Chippewa, as they were known in the United States).

The Godfroys owned a second trading post at Coldwater; their agent there was James's brother-in-law, Patrick Marantette.

However, that same year the Treaty of Chicago was signed by members of the Council of Three Fires with the United States, ceding much of the territory in southwestern Michigan, including local land held by the band of Potawatomi.

The Potawatomi were persuaded to move, and Marantette was instructed to provide them with supplies, totaling several thousand dollars.

The US government failed to reimburse him for the expense until 1850, leading him to sell off much of his surrounding land to cover the costs.

[2] A descendant born in Mendon, Elliot Marantette "Pete" Estes (January 7, 1916 – March 24, 1988), had a career in the automotive industry in Detroit and served as the 15th president of General Motors, from 1974 to 1981.