Manchester in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Native American Trails
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 8, 2022
1. Native American Trails Marker
Centuries ago, Indian trails crossed the landscape of Washtenaw County. These paths connected Indian villages to fertile hunting and fishing grounds throughout Michigan. When settlers arrived in the County during the 19th century, these same trails were used to link growing communities. Eventually, some of these trails became part of the current road system.
The Leonard Preserve is located along a former Native American trail following the River Raisin. The river was part of a route that provided a means of travel between Lakes Erie and Michigan with little portage. The region's dense forests and waters of the River Raisin provided an abundance of food for the County's first inhabitants.
W. B. Hinsdale Map
During the 1920s, University of Michigan professor, W. B. Hinsdale, compiled one of the most comprehensive surveys of Native American trails and sites in Michigan at that time. Through his research, Hinsdale created a vibrant picture of Native American life around the state before European settlement.
Hinsdale, W. B. 1927. The Indians of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Ann Arbor: George Wahr, 1927.
Courtesy of
this page online
Sign provided by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Erected by The Washtenaw County Historic District Commission. (Marker Number NA-04.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 42° 9.099′ N, 84° 3.026′ W. Marker is in Manchester, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is on North Union Street 0.3 miles north of Railroad Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is in the parking lot of Leonard Preserve, the largest natural area in Washtenaw County's system of Natural Area Preserve Program preserves. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 375 North Union Street, Manchester MI 48158, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. 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
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 8, 2024
2. Native American Trails Marker
It is to the right of the information kiosk at the Leonard Preserve trailhead parking lot. This trail begins as a plank trail on the right.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Manchester's Old Burying Ground (approx. 0.4 miles away); Founding Members of Immanuel United Evangelical Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); The German Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Saint Mary Church (approx. half a mile away); Manchester Township Library / James A. Lynch House (approx. half a mile away); George Washington (approx. half a mile away); Veteran's Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Manchester's Village Green (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 973 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 20, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on September 15, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
