Sheffield: Through Time: America Through Time

Geology played an important part of the early settlement of Sheffield Township. The ancient beach ridges left behind by retreating glacial lakes were the first areas selected for homesteads because of their rich sandy soils. The land along the lakeshore was the least desired by the early settlers because of its high clay content. When Bavarians emigrant arrived in the mid-1800s, they discovered the shorelands were excellent for growing grapes and pastures for their livestock. These factors coupled with stream-power provided by the Black River and French Creek allowed Sheffield to flourish.