Saugatuck in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Singapore, Michigan

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, July 28, 2011

1. Singapore, Michigan Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Beneath the sands near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River lies the site of Singapore, one of Michigan's most famous ghost towns. Founded in the 1830's by New York land speculators, who hoped it would rival Chicago or Milwaukee as a lake port, Singapore was in fact, until the 1870's, a busy lumbering town. With three mills, two hotels, several general stores, and a renowned "Wild-cat" bank, it outshone its neighbor to the south, "The Flats," as Saugatauk was then called. When the supply of timber was exhausted the mills closed, the once bustling waterfront grew quiet. The people left, most of them settling here in Saugatauk. Gradually, Lake Michigan's shifting sand buried Singapore.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S191.)

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.

Location. 42° 39.289′ N, 86° 12.242′ W. Marker is in Saugatuck, Michigan, in Allegan

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, July 28, 2011

2. Singapore, Michigan Marker

Image of marker taken from the intersection of Culver & Butler Streets looking towards the northwest.

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County. Marker is at the intersection of Butler Street and Culver Street, on the left when traveling north on Butler Street. Marker is clearly visible from both Butler Street and Culver Street. "Saugatuck Engine House" marker is at same location, affixed to front of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Butler Street, Saugatuck MI 49453, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saugatuck Engine House (here, next to this marker); Reed's Livery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Congregational Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); All Saints Episcopal Church / Gordon W. Lloyd (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saugatuck Pump House (approx. 0.4 miles away); New Singapore (approx. half a mile away); Mt. Baldhead (approx. 0.7 miles away); Francis Metallic Surfboat (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saugatuck.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,025 times since then and 135 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.