Sturgis in St. Joseph County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Heart of Sturgis
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 11, 2023
1. The Heart of Sturgis Marker
Inscription.
The Heart of Sturgis. . In the middle of the 20th Century the bricks that once paved US-12 gave way to asphalt and concrete (above). As buildings rose and fell in the downtown area, one thing remained the same US-12 formed the heart of Sturgis as shown by the undated, pre-1962 photograph of a parade (below). When Sturgis began celebrating Michigan Week in May 1954, the parades also marched down US-12. Within just eight years the growth of the celebration and parade resulted in the official designation of Sturgis as the "Kickoff City" for Michigan Week. The parade route still centers along US-12, proudly proclaiming the importance of the road in the history of Sturgis and the state of Michigan.
In the middle of the 20th
Century the bricks that
once paved US-12 gave way
to asphalt and concrete
(above). As buildings rose
and fell in the downtown
area, one thing remained
the same US-12 formed
the heart of Sturgis as
shown by the undated, pre-1962 photograph of a parade (below). When Sturgis began celebrating Michigan
Week in May 1954, the parades also marched down US-12. Within just eight
years the growth of the celebration and parade resulted in the official designation
of Sturgis as the "Kickoff City" for Michigan Week. The parade route still
centers along US-12, proudly proclaiming the importance of the road in the
history of Sturgis and the state of Michigan.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1954.
Location. 41° 47.952′ N, 85° 25.213′ W. Marker is in Sturgis, Michigan, in St. Joseph County. Marker is at the intersection of West Chicago Road (U.S. 12) and North Street, on the right when traveling west on West Chicago Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 West Chicago Road, Sturgis MI 49091, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
