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. 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. It is on South Saginaw Street 0.1 miles south of West Pike Street, on the right

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when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pontiac MI 48342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

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 walking distance of this marker: Pontiac's Coach Builders (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Trucks In Pontiac (within shouting distance of this marker); Outstanding Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); Parades and People-Watching (within shouting distance of this marker); Molten Metal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Inspiration Road (about 500 feet away); A Record Of Innovation (about 600 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. From Trail To Pavement Marker

First Mile of Concrete image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 22, 2021

3. First Mile of Concrete

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 467 times since then and 29 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.