Livonia in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Newburgh Mill
and the Power of the Rouge
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 24, 2019
1. Newburgh Mill Marker
The Newburgh Mill factory was built on the site of an earlier mill,
like other Ford "Village Industries." Bovee Cider Mill used to operate here along the Middle Rouge River, within the thriving village of Newburgh. In 1934, Newburgh Lake was created by construction of the dam, and in 1935 Newburgh Mill began to use hydroelectric power to produce drills for Ford plants around the world. Local farmers were hired as workers in the plant, switching to production of parts for Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines during World War II.
You Auto Know
A small steam engine which was used to supplement the 35 horsepower generator at Newburgh was shown in the Ford Exhibit at the 1931 Chicago World's Fair.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 42° 22.049′ N, 83° 24.707′ W. Marker is in Livonia, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of Edward N. Hines Drive and Newburgh Road, on the left when
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Newburg Methodist Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Newburgh Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); George A. Custer U.S. Army Reserve Center (approx. 1.6 miles away); Chief Tonquish Burial Site (approx. 1.7 miles away); Plymouth Township / Charter Township Of Plymouth (approx. 1.9 miles away); Roadside Development (approx. 1.9 miles away); "Learning by Doing" (approx. 2.3 miles away); Gunsolly Carding Mill (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livonia.
Photo from the collection of The Henry Ford.
2. Left image
Newburgh Mill was the last of Ford's Village Industries to be built along the Middle Rouge River. Many of the local farmers helped build the plant and also became the first plant employees.
Photo from the collection of The Henry Ford.
3. Center image
Ford liked to showcase his hydroelectric generators at his plants by enclosing them in glass windows.
Photo from the collection of The Henry Ford., July 24, 2019
4. Right image
Newburgh dam was built in 1934 in a unique joint effort between Ford Motor Company, the Wayne County Road Commission and te New Deal P.W.A. Program.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 24, 2019
5. Newburgh Mill and Marker
View from the north. Marker is to the right of the orange van.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 24, 2019
6. Newburgh Mill
View from the east.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
