Big Rapids in Mecosta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Mecosta County Jail

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017

1. Old Mecosta County Jail Marker

Inscription. Big Rapids became the county seat in 1859 and incorporated as a city in 1869. This building, antedated by two other jails, served as the county jail and sheriff's residence from 1893 until 1965. The oldest public structure in the original plat of the village of Big Rapids, it features gable and hip roofs and turrets characteristic of Queen Anne style architecture. The adjacent grounds have been used for a park and for concerts.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L384.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 43° 41.784′ N, 85° 28.744′ W. Marker is in Big Rapids, Michigan, in Mecosta County. It is on South Stewart Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is between Elm Street and Linden Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 South Stewart Avenue, Big Rapids MI 49307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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 walking distance of this marker: First United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Downtown (about 700 feet away); a different marker also

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named Historic Downtown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nisbett Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Historic Downtown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fairman Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ferris State College (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Rapids.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017

2. Old Mecosta County Jail Marker

Old Mecosta County Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 5, 2017

3. Old Mecosta County Jail

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 590 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.