In 1858, pioneers came to this region, then an unbroken forest, to establish a Christian community and college. Here they founded the earliest institution of higher learning in northern Michigan, which was a vitalizing force for a full half century as Grand Traverse College (1869-92), Benzonia College (1893-99), and Benzonia Academy (1900-18). The Benzonia Congregational Church and Mills Community House remain living reminders of the founders' high purpose, and this was the site of the first college building, erected in 1869 and burned in 1874.