Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Escanaba Memorial Park

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

1. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Inscription. Grand Haven remembers and honors the United States Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba at Escanaba Memorial Park. Based in Grand Haven from 1932 to 1942, the Escanaba embarked on many Great Lakes rescue and ice-breaking missions. The vessel left for service in World War II, and was torpedoed in the North Atlantic on June 13, 1943, with 101 crewmembers lost and 2 surviving. Grand Haven channeled its grief into raising over $1,000,000 in war bonds for a replacement cutter. The Escanaba's original wooden mast is a soaring memorial in the park where Coast Guard Festival ceremonies honor the service and lost crewmen of the Coast Guard vessel.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1944.

Location. 43° 3.605′ N, 86° 14.469′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. Marker can be reached from South Harbor Drive west of Y Drive, on the right when traveling west. This marker is located in Escanaba Park, very near the waterfront, along the riverfront boardwalk that extends along the south side of the Grand River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory of the Coast Guard Men and Women (a few steps from this marker); To The Enlisted Men of the United States Coast Guard

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Boardwalk (within shouting distance of this marker); Escanaba Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipwrecks and the Coast Guard / The Escanaba (within shouting distance of this marker); Coast Guard Cutters on the Great Lakes (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival (within shouting distance of this marker); Hopley Yeaton (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

2. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph showing the cutter Escanaba entering the port of Grand Haven for the first time in 1932.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

3. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph showing people coming to Escanaba Memorial Park.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

4. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an undated photograph showing the crewmen of the Escanaba.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

5. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph showing the dedication ceremony of Escanaba Memorial Park, on May 30, 1944.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

6. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph showing the dedication of a commemorative plaque to William R. Loutit in Escanaba Memorial Park c.1938.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

7. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

View, looking east, of the marker at a split in the walkways, in Escanaba Memorial Park.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, September 11, 2015

8. Escanaba Memorial Park Marker

View. looking east, of the marker with the Escanaba's original wooden mast in the background, serving as a soaring memorial to the cutter Escanaba.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 21, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.