Grosse Ile in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Times of Change
for the Wayne County Bridge
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 9, 2020
1. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker
Grosse Ile was an isolated farming community,
accessible from the mainland only on boats (or ice in the winter) until this bridge was built about 1871. As part of a railroad that was built across Grosse Ile and the Detroit River and into Canada, the bridge opened up transportation for residents and visitors. When the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge for automobiles was built at the island's north end in 1913, the railroad lost business and closed in 1928. This bridge and railway was converted to road traffic in 1931 and this Wayne County Bridge is now often called the "Fee Bridge."
You Auto Know
About three-quarters of the traffic to and from Grosse Ile crosses at the Wayne County Bridge.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 42°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Michigan Wyandot and Monguagon / Battle of Monguagon (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historical Shipyard Site (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Old Burial Ground (approx. one mile away); The Detroit River / Detroit River Recovery (approx. one mile away); First Trenton High School (approx. 1.1 miles away); Wagstaff-Duddleston Home (approx. 1.2 miles away); Recording Movements (approx. 1˝ miles away); Rails Through Grosse Ile (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grosse Ile.
Also see . . . Wayne County Bridge. Wikipedia article (Submitted on July 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
2. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker — upper left image
A small ferry carrying horses and wagons, about 1870. Small watercraft were the only way to cross between Grosse Ile and the mainland before the railroad bridge was built.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
3. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker — middle image
View of the west shore of Grosse Ile, looking south toward the Wayne County Bridge and its swinging span close to the shoreline, about 1970.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
4. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker — upper right image
The railroad bridge, about 1915. The boys and their dog enjoy the water off Slocum's Island at the site of the present DTE Energy power plant. Grosse Ile is in the background.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society., July 9, 2020
5. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker — lower right image
Opening day for the Wayne County Bridge on September 3, 1931, after its conversion to roadway. Over 5,000 people attended the celebration and many of them are seen here crowding the bridge.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 9, 2020
6. Times of Change for the Wayne County Bridge Marker
View looking west along Grosse Ile Parkway.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 9, 2020
7. Wayne County Bridge
View from the southwest, near West River Road and Waterway Drive.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
