Bertrand in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Bertrand
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007
1. Bertrand Marker
Nearby French and English trading posts were known as parc aux vaches or “cowpens” for the wild buffalo once found here. Joseph Bertrand, an early trader, married the daughter of a Potawatomi chief and through her acquired land in various Indian treaties. In 1833 this land was platted into the town of Bertrand, which soon included several large hotels and stores and a four-story warehouse—remarkable on the Michigan frontier. Bertrand became a stop for stages on the Detroit-Chicago Road and in 1844 the Sisters of the Holy Cross founded their first American convent here. Failure of the railroads to pass through town, and the high price of lots, caused the decline of this expansive village and the financial ruin of its founder.Erected 1957 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0286.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 41° 46.453′ N, 86°
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Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. Joseph's Mission (approx. 0.3 miles away); Parc Aux Vaches (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fort St. Joseph (approx. 2.7 miles away); Father Claude Jean Allouez S. J. (approx. 2.8 miles away); La Salle's Camp (approx. 3.1 miles away in Indiana). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bertrand.
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007
2. Bertrand Marker
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007
3. The field by the Bertrand marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,071 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
