The Township of Dorr was established in 1847, with Frank Neuman being the first settler on the site of what was to become the village of Dorr. He built the first framed house in 1857. After the first railroad was laid in 1869, Neuman traveled to the county seat of Allegan, surveyed and laid out the original village plat of Dorr. The name of Dorr was selected at the suggestion of a settler from Rhode Island. He proposed the township be named after the principal in Dorr's (Rhode Island) Rebellion.

By the year 1880, Dorr had a population of 200. The village has never been incorporated and continues to be governed by an elected township board.
 
The prosperity of the town has fluctuated through the years. In its "boom-town" days, Dorr boasted of many businesses and industries. The villagers were very proud of their two hotels, "The National Hotel" and the "Birney House" which was across the street near the location of the present Dorr Industries. The first grocery store was opened by Joseph Neuman and it's believed to have been located in the Frary house directly across the street from the former library and town hall. A general store owned by John DeJonge and George Clouse was once located at the present site of AJ's Bar and Grill.

Click on the link below for the history of the Dorr Depot
Dorr Depot, Lake Shor & Michigan Southern Railroad

This is Dorr Township's 150th year, click on the link below
Dorr TWP 1849.pdf
Dorr Twp 150 Years Certificate