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

Johnson's Tavern

By Joel S., November 26, 2014

1. Johnson's Tavern Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1824 George M. Johnson purchased eighty acres of land from the government and erected a log tavern at this location, a days journey from Detroit. Stephen G. Simmons bought the tavern from Johnson in 1825 and operated it until he was hanged for the murder of his wife in 1830. In 1832 the tavern, located on the new Detroit-Chicago military road, was purchased by Ezra Derby. He later subdivided some of his land and sold lots. A hamlet known as Derby's developed around the tavern, and in 1836 the name of the settlement was changed to Wayne, apparently to honor General Anthony Wayne. On April 12, 1869, forty-five years after George Johnson settled here, the village was incorporated.

Erected by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S296.)

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° 16.953′ N, 83° 23.059′ W. Marker is in Wayne, Michigan, in Wayne County

By Joel S., November 26, 2014

2. Johnson's Tavern Marker

. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 12 and South Wayne Road, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 12. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35118 West Michigan Avenue, Wayne MI 48184, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Congregational Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Wayne Village Hall (about 600 feet away); Old Wayne Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wayne Industries (approx. 0.6 miles away); Norwayne Subdivision (approx. 1.6 miles away); Eloise Poorhouse/Hospital (approx. 1.9 miles away); Henry Ford's Honeymoon House (approx. 4 miles away); A Nankin Pioneer (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wayne.

Also see . . . Anthony Wayne at Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 1, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.