Newaygo in Newaygo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Croton Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
1. Croton Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
The Grand Rapids - Muskegon Power Company (a predecessor to today's Consumers Energy Company) built the Croton Hydroelectric Plant in 1906 - 1907. The plant and its 110,000-volt transmission line (the highest voltage in use at that time) attracted international attention. Curious spectators rode excursion trains to the site, were they received a tour of the dam and powerhouse, as well as a grand dinner. When the plant went into full service in September 1907 it represented the latest advances in electric power generation and transmission. Engineers from Russia, England, France, Italy, Japan, and India came to tour the plant when it opened. The facility is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Flowing water has long provided power to mines and mills. With advances in electricity in the 1880s, waterpower was soon used to generate electricity. The first public demonstration of hydroelectric power in the country occurred on July 24, 1880, when sixteen carbon arc street lamps lit up Grand Rapids using a belt driven dynamo (generator) powered by a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory. Michigan's extensive water resources were harnessed to power electric generating equipment, first at existing dams and mills and
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Erected 2005 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S0684.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 24, 1880.
Location. 43° 26.21′ N, 85° 39.696′ W. Marker is in Newaygo, Michigan, in Newaygo County. Marker is at the intersection of South Croton Hardy Drive and Elm Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Croton Hardy Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newaygo MI 49337, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. American Legion Post 381 Veterans Memorial (approx. 1˝ miles away); Hardy Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power (approx. 3.8 miles away); Grant Water Tower (approx. 10.3 miles away).
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
2. Croton Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of reverse side of marker. • Can you help?
