Genesee Township near Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Durant Barn
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 27, 2023
1. Durant Barn Marker
William C. Durant, better known as Billy Durant, built this quaint barn behind his home on Garland Street in Flint's Carriage Town area. The barn most likely was constructed between 1890 and 1900 and was a typical outbuilding of the period.
Durant was born in Massachusetts, but dropped out of school and moved to Flint to work in the lumber yards of his grandfather, former Michigan governor Henry H. Crapo. Durant first became a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages and then an automobile pioneer who founded General Motors in 1908.
Durant used this small barn to house his automobile. The barn faced First Avenue, away from his carriage barn, so that the noises from the automobile would not frighten his horses. This barn was the last building in Flint directly associated with Billy Durant and was moved to Crossroads Village in May of 1975.
Erected by Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1975.
Location. 43° 5.57′ N, 83° 39.063′ W. Marker is near Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. It is in Genesee Township. Marker can be reached from
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Manwaring Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Buzzell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Clayton Township Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Gentleman Tinkerers (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisner Carriage Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Davison Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stanley School (about 300 feet away); Coldwater Road Chapel (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 27, 2023
2. Durant Barn and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
