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

The Wolverine Rangers

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

1. The Wolverine Rangers Marker

Inscription. In December 1848, James Pratt, editor of the Marshall Statesman, invited readers to join him on a gold-seeking expedition. More than fifty Michigan men pooled their resources and formed the “Wolverine Rangers.” Pratt traveled to Independence, Missouri, in March 1849 to buy supplies. The Rangers joined with him in May and headed overland. The letters and diaries they and their companions wrote form one of the most extensive records of Americans’ experiences and emotions as they joined the California gold rush.

The Marshall Statesman newspaper published letters from the "Marshall boys" traveling to California to search for gold in 1849. The Wolverine Rangers began their journey "cheerful and Happy." They ended it "destitute," having been "grossly deceived" by the promise of a short-cut called Lassen's Cut-Off. When the Rangers realized they could not continue along the freezing, treacherous trail in a large party, they formally disbanded. Only a few had success in gold mining, and many returned to Michigan

Erected 2019 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan History Center. (Marker Number L2318.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition,

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it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 42° 16.332′ N, 84° 57.762′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and North Grand Street, on the right when traveling west on Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 228 W Michigan Ave, Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Interurban / Interurban Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Interurban Depot Gasoline Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Liberty Tree Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Old Stone Barn (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.

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

2. The Wolverine Rangers Marker

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

3. The Wolverine Rangers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.