Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

History of the Penobscot Building

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 18, 2022

1. History of the Penobscot Building Marker

Inscription. The glow of the Penobscot Beacon has been a symbol of light and in Detroit since 1908. Beginning in 1813 when the community of Detroit began to gain headway as a trading center, the corner of Fort and Griswold has been home to individuals and businesses that promote commerce, industry and prosperity. So much so that Penobscot's founder Simon J. Murphy memorialized this concept with the three allegorical figures that can be seen between the lower windows on the Fort Street side of the building. The building was named by Murphy after the powerful tribe of Penobscot Indians. Replicas of this American heritage are reflected in the beautiful lobby entrance to the building.

In the early 1900's when the architectural plan for the Penobscot building was conceived, it was said to be a bold statement in the language of its day, departing from the traditional Gothic architecture of the past.

The millennium brought about the conversion of the central business district to the digital business district. The Penobscot building continues to be one of unparalleled vision and strength. The building was restored to it's original dignity and has been equipped with technology to allow access to the most advanced voice, data and video transmission. In the age of technology the Penobscot Beacon will continue to represent light and direction

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 42° 19.85′ N, 83° 2.854′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. It is at the intersection of Griswold Street and West Fort Street (Michigan Route 85), on the right when traveling south on Griswold Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 645 Griswold Street, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

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 Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Iron Brigade / The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ford Building (about 300 feet away); Point Of Origin (about 400 feet away); Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (about 400 feet away); Fort Lernoult (about 500 feet away); Woodward Avenue Cultural Heritage Tour (about 500 feet away); State Savings Bank (about 500 feet away); Comerica Incorporated (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 18, 2022

2. History of the Penobscot Building Marker

Penobscot Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 18, 2022

3. Penobscot Building

The Penobscot Building image. Click for full size.

Tichenor Brothers (courtesy of the Boston Public Library), circa 1930s

4. The Penobscot Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 747 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on December 4, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.