Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Parades and People-Watching

Downtown Pontiac Draws a Crowd

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

1. Parades and People-Watching Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

It's the "hub of the wheel."
Pontiac was named for the venerable Native American Chief Pontiac of the Odawas and always has been in the center of things. It became Oakland County's seat in 1820, was a carriage-making powerhouse later that century, and rose to greatest prominence in the 20th century as a car and truck manufacturing center. Its core was the place where people from the region gathered to shop, dine, celebrate and be entertained.
You Auto Know
The Phoenix Center developed in the late 1970's stopped traffic flow through downtown Pontiac and challenged retail vitality.

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 42° 38.207′ N, 83° 17.504′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is on East Pike Street near North Saginaw Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 N Saginaw St, Pontiac MI 48342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Outstanding Architecture (a few steps from this marker); From Trail To Pavement (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Trucks In Pontiac (within shouting distance of this marker); Molten Metal (within shouting distance of this marker); Pontiac's Coach Builders (within shouting distance of this marker); Inspiration Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Record Of Innovation (about 500 feet away); Pontiac Thrived (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

2. Parades and People-Watching Marker

Close-up of left half

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

3. Parades and People-Watching Marker

Close-up of right half

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

4. Parades and People-Watching Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.