Oscoda in Iosco County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Foote Hydro

1918

— Legacy of Renewable Energy —

Foote Hydro Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 27, 2021

1. Foote Hydro Marker

Inscription. With an original capacity of 9,000 kilowatts, Foote Hydro began generating electricity in 1918. It is the most downstream dam on the Au Sable River and was named after William A. Foote.
W.A. Foote founded what later became Consumers Energy Company in December 1886. He lived and worked by a simple creed: "If you have promised anything, carry through with it.” His bold and pioneering leadership in the energy industry established many firsts in both the electric and natural gas industry in Michigan and the country. Several hydroelectric plants, which served as the foundation of the company's future growth, were built and began operating under Foote. The visionary spirit of W. A. Foote lives on today in the dedication of thousands of employees.

Erected by Consumers Energy.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1886.

Location. 44° 26.158′ N, 83° 37.36′ W. Marker is in Oscoda, Michigan, in Iosco County. It can be reached from Monument Road 0.2 miles north of West River Road. Marker is at the trailhead of the Highbanks Trail near the Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5401 Monument Road, Oscoda MI 48750, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mio Hydro (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Foote Hydro (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Mio Hydro (here, next to this marker); Five Channels & Loud Hydros (a few steps from this marker); Loud Hydro (a few steps from this marker); Five Channels Hydro (a few steps from this marker); Cooke Hydro (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Cooke Hydro (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oscoda.

Also see . . . Foote Dam. Excerpt:

In 1896, Foote took a side trip from Kalamazoo to Allegan, where he conceived the idea of a hydroelectric plant along the Kalamazoo River. In Foote's mind, that plant and others would power the industrial centers throughout the state.

(Submitted on February 22, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 27, 2021

2. Foote Hydro Marker

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 27, 2021

3. Foote Dam

Foote Hydro Marker Location image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, October 27, 2021

4. Foote Hydro Marker Location

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.