Gaines in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Village Of Gaines / Gaines Depot
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
1. Village Of Gaines Marker
Between 1855 and 1858 the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway built a rail line from Detroit to Grand Haven. In 1856 Gaines Station was established as a rail stop and post office. In 1859 Henry Walker platted the town, aligning the streets with the railroad. The town soon became a local shipping hub with people, mail and goods arriving on daily trains. Departing trains carried such local goods as wheat, oats, barrel staves, lumber and broom handles. The Village of Gaines was incorporated in 1875.
According to early Genesee County histories, the first building in Gaines was a wood-frame railroad depot. It was replaced by this brick depot in 1881. The station closed when rail service ended in the 1950s. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Genesee Avenue/Walker Street Historic District in 1983, it deteriorated over the years. In 1991 concerned citizens formed Gaines Station, Inc. to save the depot. Rehabilitation work lasted from 1992 to 1997. In 1998 the building reopened as a branch of the Genesee County Public Library.
Erected 2017 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan History Center. (Marker Number L2289.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in
this page online
Location. 42° 52.369′ N, 83° 54.77′ W. Marker is in Gaines, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of West Walker Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling west on West Walker Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 W Walker St, Gaines MI 48436, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gaines Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oakwood Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Byron Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Ellen May Tower / Spanish-American War Nurse (approx. 3.8 miles away); Byron Veterans Plaque (approx. 3.8 miles away); Byron (approx. 3.8 miles away); Durand Union Station (approx. 4.3 miles away); Train E243 Collision (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaines.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
2. Gaines Depot Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
3. Village Of Gaines / Gaines Depot Marker
Marker in front of the depot which has been restored as a library.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
