Benzonia in Benzie County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Site of the First College Building

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, May 20, 2023

1. Site of the First College Building Marker

Inscription.

Dedicated to the memory of the pioneers, who, in 1858, came to this region, then an unbroken forest, to establish a Christian community and college. Here they founded the earliest institution of higher learning in northern Michigan which was a vitalizing force for a full half century, as Grand Traverse College (1869-92), Benzonia College (1893-99), and Benzonia Academy (1900-18). Of the high purpose of the founders, the Benzonia Congregational Church and Mills Community House are living reminders.

This stone marks the site of the first college building (erected 1869; burned 1874)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 44° 37.081′ N, 86° 5.973′ W. Marker is in Benzonia, Michigan, in Benzie County. Marker is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue (U.S. 31) and Traverse Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Benzonia MI 49616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Benzonia College (a few steps from this marker); Mills Community House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bruce Catton (about 400 feet away); Crystal Lake (approx.

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0.7 miles away); Joyfield Cemetery (approx. 4.6 miles away); Honor Area WWII Honor Roll (approx. 5.1 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. 6.9 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benzonia.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, May 20, 2023

2. Site of the First College Building Marker

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, May 20, 2023

3. Site of the First College Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2023, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2023, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.