Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Railroad Union Birthplace

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. Railroad Union Birthplace Marker

Inscription. In April 1863 a meeting held here at the home of Jared C. Thompson led directly to the organization of the Brotherhood of the Footboard. Under the leadership of Marshall’s William D. Robinson, founder and first Grand Chief Engineer, 54 locals were established in the next 16 months. Renamed the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in 1864, the union grew to over 80,000 members by the mid-twentieth century.

Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0282.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1863.

Location. 42° 16.193′ N, 84° 58.128′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. It is at the intersection of West Hanover Street and South Linden Street, on the right when traveling east on West Hanover Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 633 W Hanover St, Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest 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 Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Schellenberger Tavern (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); National House (approx. ¼ mile away); National House Inn

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Marshall (approx. ¼ mile away); Michigan Ave. (approx. ¼ mile away); Marshall Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); First Courthouse / Brooks Memorial Fountain (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Old Stone Barn (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. Railroad Union Birthplace Marker

Photographed by Kathy Garman, May 30, 2023

3. Railroad Union Birthplace Marker

A view of the marker and house looking east along West Hanover Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 428 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on June 9, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.