Eaton Rapids in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Island Park

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

1. Island Park Marker

Inscription. This island, owned and operated by J. D. McAuliffe from 1872, was hailed as “a shady retreat for pleasure seekers...(with) a fine collection of animals and a museum of rare specimens”. In 1897 Eaton Rapids bought it for a city park. From 1908 to 1929 the Eaton County Battalion of the G.A.R. held its annual encampment at what was then named Grand Army Park. Summer concerts, reunions, and picnics brought many here over the years. A group formed in 1973 to save the island from erosion served to refocus attention on this spot.

Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L286.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 42° 30.688′ N, 84° 39.272′ W. Marker is in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in Eaton County. It can be reached from East Hamlin Street. The park is in the middle of the Grand River, downtown Eaton Rapids. Walking bridges allow access from the terminations of East and West

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Hamlin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eaton Rapids MI 48827, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan

and in Greater Lansing.

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: "The Saratoga of the West" (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Austin Blair (about 600 feet away); Red Ribbon Hall (about 700 feet away); Eaton Rapids Community War Memorial (about 800 feet away); Miller Dairy Farm No. 1 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Parma and Sheridan District No. 7 School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Hamlin District No. 15 School (approx. 2.4 miles away); VFW National Home (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eaton Rapids.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

2. Island Park Marker

Construction ongoing at the park

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021

3. Island Park

South end of the island looking towards the State Street bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.