Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Grand Traverse Bay

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 24, 2020

1. Grand Traverse Bay Marker

Inscription. French traders named this bay when they made “the long crossing” — la grande traverse — across its mouth. Chippewa and Ottawa tribes dwelt in this region. Peter Dougherty’s Indian Mission, established in 1839 at Old Mission, paved the way for white settlers. Founded in 1847, Traverse City was for years an important center of lumbering. Subsequently it has become famous as the nation’s cherry capital.

Erected 1957. (Marker Number S0042.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 44° 45.889′ N, 85° 36.724′ W. Marker is in Traverse City, Michigan, in Grand Traverse County. It is on East Grandview Parkway (U.S. 31) 0.1 miles west of East Front Street. Located on the Traverse Area Rec Trail in Clinch Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Traverse City MI 49684, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region.

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 walking distance of this marker: Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Sabine Parrott Rifle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Spanish-American War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grand Traverse County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Park Place Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Congregation Beth El (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Traverse City.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 24, 2020

2. Grand Traverse Bay Marker

looking out to the bay.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 531 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.