Columbiaville in Lapeer County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Columbiaville Depot

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

1. Columbiaville Depot Marker

Inscription. In the nineteenth century, railroads provided the prime transportation link between small villages and the rest of the country. The first Columbiaville depot was built near this site in 1872. In 1893 William Peter (1824-1899) replaced that structure with this small Romanesque inspired depot with its rounded-arch, beveled-glass windows. Peter, Columbiaville's dominant merchant and a millionaire lumber baron, built the new depot in an effort to spur the development of the village and assure the continued growth of his many businesses. By prior agreement, he gave the building to the Detroit-Bay City Railroad Company in exchange for having a line run through the community. The property was deeded to the company for one dollar in 1893. It served as a train station until 1964. The depot now houses the Columbiaville Rotary Club and a public library.

Erected 1981 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L750.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 43° 9.355′ N, 83° 24.535′ W. Marker is in Columbiaville, Michigan, in Lapeer County. It is on First Street south of Pine Street (Route 44), on the left when traveling south. The marker is on the building south of the Post Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4422 First Street, Columbiaville MI 48421, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: James Richardson, D.O. a generous gentleman. (here, next to this marker); Columbiaville Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); The William Peter Mansion (about 700 feet away); Niver Bros. Sawmill / Gristmill (approx. 0.3 miles away); Smith Hill Cemetery

Columbiaville Depot and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

2. Columbiaville Depot and Marker

(approx. 5.7 miles away); Otisville High School (approx. 5.8 miles away); The Country School (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbiaville.

Columbiaville Depot National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

3. Columbiaville Depot National Register of Historic Places Plaque

National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,044 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.