Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

William C. Durant

December 8, 1861 - March 18, 1947

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

1. William C. Durant Marker

Inscription. William "Billy" Durant led Flint's incredible industrial development 18902 - 1920s. Durant co-founded the successful Durant-Dort Carriage Company, then in 1904 took control of David Buick's fledgling automobile firm. Durant built on Buick's success to create General Motors in 1908. Making Flint the birthplace of what became the world's largest industrial corporation.

After bankers seized control of GM in 1910, Durant created the Chevrolet car with ex-Buick racer Louis Chevrolet and remarkably regained control of GM in 1916. Durant brought in axle-maker C.S. Mott and AC spark plug founder Albert Champion and promoted Walter Chrysler to President of Buick.

Durant lost control of GM in 1920, then created Durant Motors, including the "Flint" car built here. By 1980, GM employed 80,000 people locally.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 43° 0.985′ N, 83° 41.455′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of Saginaw Street and East Kearsley Street, on the right when traveling north on Saginaw Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 E Kearsley St, Flint MI 48502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. David Dunbar Buick (here, next to this

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marker); William "Billy" Durant (here, next to this marker); Automotive Pioneers (here, next to this marker); David Buick (here, next to this marker); Charles Stewart Mott (here, next to this marker); Louis Chevrolet (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Charles Stewart Mott (a few steps from this marker); Albert Champion (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

2. William C. Durant Marker

Statue next to Motorcities National Heritage Area marker.

William C. Durant statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

3. William C. Durant statue

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on September 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.