Marlette in Sanilac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot
Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019
1. Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot Marker
The first twenty-five miles of track for the Port Huron and Northwestern Railroad opened from Port Huron to Croswell in 1879. Marlette citizens lured the railroad by raising $15,000 toward construction of the tracks. The line extended from Saginaw Junction in St. Clair County to Marlette in January 1881, and the Marlette to Mayville line opened in the fall. The Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad purchased the Port Huron & Northwestern in 1889. Flint contractor E. M. Stewart built this depot in 1890 with a double waiting room, an office, and a baggage room. The Marlette Historical Society bought the building in 1999.Erected 2001 by Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L713A.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1881.
Location. 43° 19.317′ N, 83° 4.753′ W. Marker is in Marlette, Michigan, in Sanilac County. Marker is at the intersection
Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019
2. Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot and Historical Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Marlette District Library (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Patrick's Church (approx. 5 miles away); North Branch Veterans Memorial (approx. 8.4 miles away); Pioneer Bank (approx. 8.7 miles away); Brown City Community Schools (approx. 8.7 miles away); Brown City Veterans Memorial (approx. 8.8 miles away); The Brown City Banner (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marlette.
Regarding Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot. The railway was key to the economic growth of the Thumb’s agricultural business. By 1910, Marlette was a twice-a-day stop for passengers and freight between Port Huron and Saginaw. The United States Railway Administration nationalized America’s railways during World War I, so the Marlette depot saw service by sending freight and troops to fight in the Great War.
The last passenger service out of Marlette ended in 1936. In 2001, the depot was included in the State of Michigan Registry of Historic Places. With its restoration in 2006, the Marlette depot is now a favorite among train enthusiasts and photographers. It currently is
Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019
3. Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot
Also see . . .
1. Blog about the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot. (Submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills.)
2. The Restored 1890 Marlette Railway Depot Faces Uncertain Future. An article on Thumbwind (March 1, 2022) states, in part: "Sadly the Covid-19 pandemic has curtailed visitors to the depot. As a result, the Marlette Historical Society may be forced to close the train depot museum." (Submitted on March 4, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
