Wayne in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Johnson's Tavern
Photographed By Joel S., November 26, 2014
1. Johnson's Tavern Marker
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 1969 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0296.)
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. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1827.
Location. 42° 16.953′ N, 83° 23.059′ W. Marker is in Wayne, Michigan, in Wayne
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. City of Wayne (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Congregational Church (about 600 feet away); Old Wayne Village Hall (about 600 feet away); Veteran's Peace Memorial (about 600 feet away); Old Wayne Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wayne Companies (approx. half a mile away); Wayne Industries (approx. 0.6 miles away); Norwayne Subdivision (approx. 1.6 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.)
Photographed By Joel S., November 26, 2014
2. Johnson's Tavern Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2014, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 475 times since then and 70 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.
