Near Owosso in Shiawassee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Maple River

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 24, 2018

1. Maple River Marker

Inscription. In 1837 four couples came to this area, known as Maple River, from Oakland County to claim their newly purchased acreage. They were soon followed by a dozen families. These pioneer farmers chose this vicinity because the very fertile land was well adapted for grazing and crop production. The community church and octagonal schoolhouse were designed and built under the guidance of the Reverend George M. Reynolds, son of one of the pioneer settlers. Soon after several farm houses of Greek Revival design were constructed and the cemetery was established. Mr. Reynolds served for many years as minister of the church and was also the first teacher when the school opened in 1850. Several of the early structures remain, and descendants of the original settlers still reside in this area.

Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L595.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 42° 56.254′ N, 84° 8.672′ W.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is near Owosso, Michigan, in Shiawassee County. It is at the intersection of East Bennington Road and Colby Road, on the right when traveling east on East Bennington Road. The marker is in Shiawassee Township, about 5 miles south of Owosso, 4.1 miles south of Corunna, and 6.2 miles west of Vernon. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 985 East Bennington Road, Owosso MI 48867, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan

and in Greater Lansing.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Governor Parsons (approx. 3.1 miles away); Corunna Public Schools / Shiawassee Street School (approx. 3.2 miles away); Hugh McCurdy / Hugh McCurdy Park (approx. 3.2 miles away); Corunna World War II Memorial (approx. 3.2 miles away); First National Bank (approx. 3.3 miles away); Outhouse (approx. 3.3

Maple River Marker and Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 24, 2018

2. Maple River Marker and Cemetery

miles away); Williams Carriage Barn (approx. 3.3 miles away); Lemon School (approx. 3.3 miles away).

Community Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 24, 2018

3. Community Church

Maple River Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, June 24, 2018

4. Maple River Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 967 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on February 13, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of octagon house (about 1/4 mile west of the marker) and any Greek Revival farmhouses that still stand. • Can you help?