Medbury Park in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Milwaukee Junction

and the Birth of Detroit's Auto Industry

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 5, 2021

1. Milwaukee Junction Marker

Inscription. Railroads were the powerlines of industry, for movement of parts and products. Around 1900, new plants were built along railroad tracks with sidings and loading platforms. Here, in what was open land on the northern outskirts of Detroit, the tracks of three railroads came together to provide unique connections to railroads and markets across the country. In 1910, the world's two leading automakers - Ford and E-M-F - had factories here, along with Anderson Electric, Brush, Cadillac, Regal and their suppliers like Fisher Body. Milwaukee Junction became especially famous for its car body stamping and assembly.

You Auto Know Most of the railroad bridges in Milwaukee Junction were built, starting in the 1910s, to separate rail and street traffic.

Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 42° 22.097′ N, 83° 3.922′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Medbury Park. It is at

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the intersection of Piquette Avenue and Beaubien Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on Piquette Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit MI 48202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

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 Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ford's Model T (here, next to this marker); Studebaker in Detroit (here, next to this marker); Steps to Success (here, next to this marker); At The Height Of His Powers (here, next to this marker); Creating A Legend (a few steps from this marker); Ford Piquette Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Detroit Association of Women's Clubs (approx. 0.4 miles away); Omega Psi Phi (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Related marker.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 5, 2021

2. Milwaukee Junction Marker

Second from right

Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Fisher Body Plant image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 5, 2021

3. Fisher Body Plant

One block from Piquette factory, Fisher Body has been abandoned sing 1994.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 922 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.