Historian

The Town of Byron was officially established on April 4, 1820, when it was divided from the Town of Bergen. It was named in honor of the English poet Lord Byron. In its earliest days, the community was known as Byron Center. Over time, distinct hamlets emerged within the town, each with its own character and history.

South Byron, originally called Brusselville, took its name from early settler Elijah Shumway, who was nicknamed for his “brussel head.” North Byron became known as Pumpkin Hill, inspired by a local hotel and tavern sign shaped and colored like a pumpkin. Early landmarks included Mudd City Pond, the Bennet Mill—one of the town’s first mills—and a bustling main intersection in Byron with the Arrowhead Store, gas station, post office, and general store. Today, that location is home to Crosby’s.

Byron’s history is preserved and celebrated at the Town of Byron Museum, located at 6407 Townline Road next to the Byron Center Cemetery. The museum, housed in the former German Lutheran Church, is open to visitors on Sundays from 2–4 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, or by appointment. It offers a window into Byron’s rich past, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories that reflect the growth and spirit of the community over more than two centuries.