Alden in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pere Marquette Railroad Depot
Photographed by Craig Doda, January 15, 2022
1. Pere Marquette Railroad Depot Marker
Inscription.
Pere Marquette Railroad Depot. . In 1891-92 the Chicago and West Michigan Railway, precursor to the Pere Marquette Railroad, extended the line between Traverse City and Petoskey through Spencer Creek. William Alden Smith, the railway's general counsel, advocated building the line through Spencer Creek, and in 1891 the town was renamed Alden in his honor. Its location aided travel and shipping between Chicago and Petoskey, supporting agriculture, lumbering, and eventually tourism. The Pere Marquette built this depot in 1907 to replace one that burned in 1906. Northern Michigan newspapers called it the railroad's finest depot north of Grand Rapids. In 1981 the last train left Alden. Helena Township acquired the depot in 1986.
In 1891-92 the Chicago and West Michigan Railway, precursor to the
Pere Marquette Railroad, extended the line between Traverse City and
Petoskey through Spencer Creek. William Alden Smith, the railway's
general counsel, advocated building the line through Spencer Creek, and
in 1891 the town was renamed Alden in his honor. Its location aided
travel and shipping between Chicago and Petoskey, supporting agriculture,
lumbering, and eventually tourism. The Pere Marquette built
this depot in 1907 to replace one that burned in 1906. Northern
Michigan newspapers called it the railroad's finest depot north of
Grand Rapids. In 1981 the last train left Alden. Helena Township acquired
the depot in 1986.
Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L1429.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 44° 52.712′ N, 85° 16.619′ W. Marker is in Alden, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is on Coy Street when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alden MI 49612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region. 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 7 miles
Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on October 10, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
