Northville in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Two Tracks in Town
Northville's Electric Streetcars
There were two electric streetcar lines into Northville
from Detroit, both built in 1899. One traveled on track through Farmington, along Eight Mile Road and down Griswold Street. The other came through Plymouth, up Northville Road and along a wood viaduct over Argo Millpond where the Main Street curve is now. Both stopped at an express office at the corner of Main Street and Griswold Street before traveling up Main Street to the intersection with Center Street. Passengers waiting at an office on Center Street boarded either of the two streetcars for travel in two directions out of town.
You Auto Know
The elecctric streetcars were about 34 feet long and could hold up to 54 passengers.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 42° 25.87′ N, 83° 28.719′ W. Marker is in Northville, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of South Griswold Street and East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Griswold Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 410 East Main Street, Northville MI 48167, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Northville Valve Plant (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Taking Flight (about 400 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of Northville (about 600 feet away); Interurban Station (about 700 feet away); Cady Inn (about 700 feet away); J.M. Mead General Store (about 700 feet away); Hirsch Blacksmith Shop (about 700 feet away); Wash Oak School (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northville.

Photo courtesy of the Northville Historical Society
2. Upper left image
Main Street in downtown Northville, looking east, about 1910. Early streetcars were painted bright yellow and green, later ones were dark red. The increased popularity of automobiles overlook the Northville streetcar lines, and they ceased operation in 1928.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 4, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.