Elk Rapids in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Steamer Oriole

The Steamer <i>Oriole</i> Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 11, 2024

1. The Steamer Oriole Marker

Click on image to study the photograph.

Inscription. Native Americans first came to this area to plant their gardens. Immigrants from many countries were drawn to the Antrim Chain of Lakes primarily to harvest the vast stands of hardwood growing nearby. The Elk Rapids Iron Company was built on the east bank of Elk River. It converted the hardwood into charcoal used to fire its blast furnace.

In this circa 1890s picture, you are looking west with the Island House (the present day Library) in the upper right hand corner. The steamer Oriole owned by Edwin Noble is docked beside piles of wood used to fire tug boats. Dexter Street, running left to right, stretches atop a dam and chute. Corralled logs choke the river before heading to the sawmill located near the present day hydro dam. All this activity ceased when the supply of hardwood was depleted and the Iron Company closed. The population declined, but the town remained.

Erected 2008.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 44° 54.034′ N, 85° 24.588′ W. Marker is in Elk Rapids, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is at the intersection of Dexter Street and U.S.

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31, on the left when traveling west on Dexter Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 Fox Run Dr, Elk Rapids MI 49629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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 walking distance of this marker: Elk Rapids Iron Company (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Elk Rapids Iron Company (about 700 feet away); Because of the Water... (approx. ¼ mile away); Elk Rapids (approx. ¼ mile away); Land of Anishinabek (approx. ¼ mile away); Why All of the Stumps? (approx. ¼ mile away); Elk River, Entry to the Chain of Lakes of Antrim County (approx. ¼ mile away); Rotary Park "Centennial Project" (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Rapids.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 11, 2024

2. The Steamer Oriole Marker

A view of the Elk River from the marker. Present-day U.S. 31 bridge and causeway are on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.