Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Chicago Road

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 3, 2021

1. Chicago Road Marker

Inscription. The Great Sauk Trail, the most important Indian trail in the Great Lakes region, was used later by French explorers, fur traders, missionaries, and soldiers. After the 1760's the trail became a major road for British and American travelers. In the early 1800's, when a military road was needed to connect Detroit with Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Territorial Governor Lewis Cass and Father Gabriel Richard, an influential legislator, were leading supporters of the Great Sauk Trail route. With federal backing the road was surveyed in 1825 and built in 1829-36. Many sections of the road were paved with huge oak logs, covered with a layer of dirt. Even before the road was improved, land-hungry settlers moved west from Detroit via the Chicago Road (now called Michigan Avenue).

Erected 1966 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S280.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 42° 19.892′ N, 83° 3.04′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in

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Downtown Detroit. It is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue (U.S. 12) and Washington Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1020 Washington Blvd, Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 walking distance of this marker: General Casimir Pulaski (within shouting distance of this marker); The War of 1812 in Detroit / War of 1812 Grave Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Detroit Plaindealer (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michigan's First Capitol / Capitol Union School (about 600 feet away); The First Capitol Building in Michigan (about 600 feet away); Finney Barn / William Dolarson (about 600 feet away); Detroit's Underground Railway Station (about 700 feet away); Rosa Parks Transit Center (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Another marker is no longer nearby. War of 1812 Dead (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by R. C., May 3, 2011

2. Chicago Road Marker

Marker is on the side of a building on an active construction site (May 2011) and is dangerous to approach.

Photographed by R. C., May 3, 2011

3. Chicago Road Marker

Photographed by Joel S., December 4, 2015

4. Chicago Road Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2011, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,557 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2011, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. 4. submitted on December 11, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.