Jefferson Chalmers in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Setting the Stage
Conner Creek Before the Automobile
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 25, 2025
1. Setting the Stage Marker
Conner Creek still flows into the Detroit River, but it now is almost entirely covered by the city's development. Native Americans lived here and found foods in the creek and along its banks. Early French surveyors called it "River of the Grand Marsh" before the marshes were drained to establish ribbon farms. In 1901, Henry Ford gained fame by winning an early automobile race nearby at the Detroit Driving Club horse track south of Jefferson. In 1904, the Detroit Terminal Railroad began laying tracks here, setting the stage for the explosion of automotive industry in this area.
You Auto Know
The Detroit Terminal Railroad built track in a loop around Detroit from Conner Creek through Highland Park and west to Dearborn.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area and National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 42° 21.848′ N, 82° 57.454′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Jefferson Chalmers. It is at the intersection of Clairpointe Street and Freud Street
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan. 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 Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pewabic Pottery / Mary Chase Perry Stratton (approx. 1.2 miles away); Detroit Yacht Club (approx. 1.3 miles away); Trombly Elementary School (approx. 1.4 miles away); Ossian Sweet House / Dr. Ossian Sweet (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army (approx. 1½ miles away); Fox Indian Massacre (approx. 1.6 miles away); Defer Elementary School (approx. 1.7 miles away); Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 25, 2025
2. Setting the Stage Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
