Thurston near Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Village of Dixboro

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 9, 2021

1. Village of Dixboro Marker

Inscription. The Village of Dixboro was founded by Captain John Dix in 1824. He was born in Massachusetts, went to sea at sixteen, achieved the title of captain, and served on a privateer in the War of 1812. The site selected for the village by Dix lay among an old Indian trail and "boasted good, well drained soils, nearby timber, and a creek to furnish water power.” It comprised a portion of the land purchased by Captain Dix from the Federal government for $1.25 an acre. The deeds were signed by President John Quincy Adams on April 1, 1825. In 1834, disenchanted with his life in Michigan, Captain Dix moved to Texas.

The original village contained 25 acres, more or less, and was divided into 64 lots, plus a "public square” and a "reserve.” The public square was to be used for construction of a church and school. At one time the village contained a saw mill, grist mill, and many fine businesses. According to legend, Dixboro never grew because the railroad chose a route along the Huron River favoring Ypsilanti.

Erected by Washtenaw County Historic District Commission. (Marker Number SU-39.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 42° 18.733′ N, 83°

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39.393′ W. Marker is near Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Thurston. Marker is at the intersection of Plymouth Road and Cherry Hill Road, on the right when traveling west on Plymouth Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5221 Short St, Ann Arbor MI 48105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dixboro School (within shouting distance of this marker); Dixboro United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oak Grove Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Michigan Municipal League (approx. 2.1 miles away); Connecting With Nature (approx. 2.7 miles away); Landscape Transformed (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Power of Fleming Creek (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Gristmill (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Also see . . . A Brief History Of Dixboro. Excerpt:

John Geddes, a prominent Ann Arbor Township settler, wrote that John Dix built his house in May of 1824 and raised his barn in July 1825. It was the first frame barn built in the township, and probably in the county. He also points out that Dix built a sawmill in 1826 and a grist mill some months later.

(Submitted on April 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 9, 2021

2. Village of Dixboro Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.