The area encompassed by Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Eau
Claire and Niles is referred to as the “Four Flags Area”.
The term “Four Flags” relates to each of the historical flags
for the Nations that controlled this area since 1691.
1691 - 1761French
1761 - 1781British
1781 - 1783Spanish
1783 - PresentUnited
States**
* Flags used to represent France during this period in
history varied and there are no clear records as to the specific design of the
flag.
** Technically the United States did not exist until 1787
when the “States” ratified the Constitution.This is the most likely design that would have been used.Another design with a circle of stars (the
Betsy Ross flag) is less likely to have been used.In 1795 the number of stars and stripes would have increased to
15.
