Lake Erie

Photographed by Michael Baker

1. Lake Erie Marker

Inscription. Named for the Erie Indians, this was the last of the Great Lakes discovered by white men. The French were exploring the upper lakes as early as 1615, but they avoided the region to the south which was the realm of hostile Iroquois Indians. Then in 1669 Adrien Jolliet entered Lake Erie from the Detroit River and followed the north shore eastward. The final link was added to the mighty inland waterway so vital to Michigan's history.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number 118.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 41° 55.252′ N, 83° 20.405′ W. Marker was in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe County. It could be reached from State Park Road. Marker was located in Sterling State Park near Monroe, Michigan. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Monroe MI 48162, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It was also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Sandy Creek Settlement (approx. ¼ mile away); Jerry C. Bartnik (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wm. C. Sterling State Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Monroe Piers (approx. 0.8 miles away); Monroe (approx. 0.8 miles away); Famous Waterfront (approx. 0.8 miles away); Capt. Norman W. Heck Jr (approx. 1.4 miles away); Monroe County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Tree (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Regarding Lake Erie. This marker is missing from its original location in Sterling State Park, and may be located indoors now in the Michigan History Center in Lansing, MI.

former site of the Lake Erie marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Baker

2. former site of the Lake Erie marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2017, by Michael Baker of Lima, Ohio. This page has been viewed 614 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2017, by Michael Baker of Lima, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.