Near Grass Lake in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Jackson Area
Photographed by Joel S., July 31, 2015
1. The Jackson Area Marker
Pioneers in the 1830's by the tens of thousands traveled west over the Territorial Road (roughly parallel to I-94). Many of them stopped in the Jackson area to take up land. Jackson County was named after Andrew Jackson and organized in 1832. The principal settlement, Jackson, founded in 1829, was first called Jacksonopolis and later Jacksonburgh. Located near the head of the Grand River, Jackson has always been an important transportation center. One of America's most famous political conventions took place in this city on July 6, 1854, when 1,500 persons from throughout Michigan assembled "under the oaks" and organized a new party which they named the Republican Party. This area is the home of Michigan's oldest and largest state prison and many diversified industries.
Erected by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 233.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1909.
Location. 42° 17.579′ N, 84° 12.884′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Maintenance/Handcar Shed (approx. 2.9 miles away); Grass Lake / Michigan Central Railroad Depot (approx. 2.9 miles away); Adam Overacker (approx. 2.9 miles away); Grass Lake Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.9 miles away); Union Block (approx. 2.9 miles away); Michigan Central Railroad Train #6 (approx. 2.9 miles away); Grass Lake Michigan Central Railroad Station (approx. 2.9 miles away); Grass Lake Union School (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Joel S., July 31, 2015
2. The Jackson Area Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. "Territorial Road", "Under the Oaks", "Jacksonburgh Public Square", "First State Prison"
Photographed by Joel S., July 31, 2015
3. The Jackson Area Marker
Photographed by Nathan Bierma, August 17, 2025
4. The Jackson Area Marker adjacent to the rest area facility
Photographed by Nathan Bierma, August 17, 2025
5. Reverse side of the Jackson Area Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 534 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on August 18, 2025, by Nathan Bierma of Grand Rapids, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
