Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
From Trail To Pavement
Building the Roads in Pontiac
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021
1. From Trail To Pavement Marker
Inscription.
From Trail To Pavement. Building the Roads in Pontiac. Pontiac began as one of Michigan's first inland settlements, and the first road cut through the wilderness to connect Detroit with Pontiac was completed in 1822. In 1831, French traveler Alexis de Tocqueville took this road all day from Detroit, writing that "...it was only in the evening after sundown that we reached Pontiac." Since then, the importance of Pontiac to the region has been expressed in the development of roads to and through the city. The main route became the Detroit and Pontiac turnpike in 1837, later called Woodward Avenue, and in 1909 boasted the world's first mile of paved concrete. , You Auto Know , The settlement of Pontiac was platted in 1818 where two Native American trails crossed the Clinton River.
Pontiac began as one of Michigan's first inland settlements, and the first road cut through the wilderness to connect Detroit with Pontiac was completed in 1822. In 1831, French traveler Alexis de Tocqueville took this road all day from Detroit, writing that "...it was only in the evening after sundown that we reached Pontiac." Since then, the importance of Pontiac to the region has been expressed in the development of roads to and through the city. The main route became the Detroit and Pontiac turnpike in 1837, later called Woodward Avenue, and in 1909 boasted the world's first mile of paved concrete. You Auto Know
The settlement of Pontiac was platted in 1818 where two Native American trails crossed the Clinton River.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 42° 38.186′ N, 83° 17.501′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is on South Saginaw Street, 0.1 miles south of West Pike Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pontiac MI 48342, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker.
Mentioned on the marker. Woodward Avenue runs from Detroit to Pontiac.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
