Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

U.S. Topographical Engineers

Photographed By R. C., May 4, 2011

1. U.S. Topographical Engineers Marker

Inscription. When Michigan became a state in 1837, the Detroit office of the U.S. Topographical Engineers was headquartered on this site. The topographical engineers helped transform Michigan from a wilderness into a prosperous state. They also played a vital role in Great Lakes navigation before the Civil War. First appointed in 1813, the engineers surveyed land, canals, railroads and harbors, and platted military positions relative to roads, villages, rivers and ravines. They also constructed lighthouses. During the 1820s and 1830s engineers from the Detroit office built roads to Toledo, Saginaw and Chicago, thus opening Michigan's interior to new settlement. As a result, Michigan's population increased from 8,000 in 1820 to 200,000 in 1840.

Erected 1997 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number HB11.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 42° 19.756′ N, 83° 2.529′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is at the intersection of East Jefferson

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Avenue (State Highway 10) and Randolph Street (State Highway 3) on East Jefferson Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 170 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mariners' Church / U.S. Topographical Engineers (a few steps from this marker); Shrine Circus (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Salvation Army (about 600 feet away); Spirit of Detroit (about 700 feet away); David Dunbar Buick / Buick Motor Company (about 700 feet away); Monument to Joe Louis, 1986 (about 700 feet away); The Landing of Cadillac / Le débarquement de Cadillac (approx. 0.2 miles away); University of Michigania (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Photographed By R. C., May 4, 2011

2. U.S. Topographical Engineers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2011, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 645 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2011, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of close view and wide view of reverse side of marker regarding "Mariner's Church". • Can you help?