Burns Park in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Governor Alpheus Felch
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou
1. Governor Alpheus Felch Marker
Born in Maine in 1804, Felch graduated from Bowdoin College in 1827. Entering the legal profession, he moved to Michigan in 1833 and after 1843 resided in Ann Arbor. A lifelong Democrat, Felch was governor in 1846-47, serving previously as justice of the state supreme court and as a member of the first three legislatures. Rising to national prominence, he was U.S. Senator in 1847-53 and was then appointed to a commission to settle Spanish land claims in California. Returning to Ann Arbor in 1856 he resumed his law career, serving as Tappan Professor of Law at the University of Michigan in 1879-83. On Felch's ninetieth birthday this park was named in his honor. He died two years later in 1896.
Erected 1973 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S415.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 42° 16.869′ N, 83° 44.223′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Burns Park. Marker is at the intersection of East Huron Street and Fletcher Street, on the right when traveling east on East Huron Street. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan's First Jewish Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Rackham School of Graduate Studies (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michigan League (about 700 feet away); Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); First University Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ann Arbor High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Schools and Churches (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.
Also see . . .
1. Alpheus Felch. Biography of Alpheus Felch on the University of Michigan's History and Traditions website. (Submitted on October 16, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Felch, Alpheus (1804-1896). Biography of Alpheus Felch in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. (Submitted on August 19, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
3. California Land Act of 1851. The California Land Act of 1851 established a Public Land Commission to settle prior Spanish and Mexican land grants. Alpheus Felch served as president of the commission from 1853 to 1856. (Submitted on August 19, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
4. Felch Park. Information about
via Biographical Dictionary of the U.S. Congress, unknown
2. Governor Alpheus Felch
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 12, 2017
3. Governor Alpheus Felch Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 12, 2017
4. Governor Alpheus Felch Marker and Felch Park
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 12, 2017
5. Governor Alpheus Felch Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on April 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 16, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
