Near Cass City in Tuscola County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

State Reward Road No. 1

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 30, 2020

1. State Reward Road No. 1 Marker

Inscription. The state highway system began with the State Reward Road program, created by the Michigan Legislature in 1905. The program provided "rewards" to local governments for road improvements made according to state standards. Horatio "Good Roads" Earle, the state highway commissioner, traveled the state drumming up local interest in road improvements. Elkland Township was the first municipality to receive a reward. Spending $985, the township widened (to nine feet) and graveled one mile of rutted wagon road (later M-81) between the corner of Elkland Cemetery and what became Crawford Road. The township then received a $500 reward. State Reward Road No. 1 marked the beginning of state aid for local roads.

Erected 2007 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S702C.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 43° 36.057′ N, 83° 9.267′ W. Marker is near Cass City, Michigan, in Tuscola County. It is at the intersection of Cass City Road (Michigan Route 81) and Schwegler Road, on the right when traveling east on Cass City Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cass City MI 48726, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Thumb.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Horatio S. Earle Park (a few steps from this marker); Cass City Veterans' War Memorial (approx. one mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. one mile away); Elkland Township Hall (approx. 1.1 miles away); The United States Of America Commemoration Vietnam War 50th (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sawmill (approx. 5.7 miles away); Garage (approx. 5.8 miles away); House (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cass City.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 30, 2020

2. State Reward Road No. 1 Marker

Horatio S. Earle Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Garman, June 30, 2020

3. Horatio S. Earle Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.