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

Grand Haven

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

1. Grand Haven Marker

west side of two sided marker

Inscription. This town began as a trading post established by Rix Robinson in the 1820s. Robinson, an agent for the American Fur Company, used this as one of his leading western Michigan posts. The Reverend William M. Ferry came here in 1834 from Mackinac to work with Robinson in developing a town. The Grand Haven Company was formed, and lots were platted and sold. By 1837 the town had more than two hundred inhabitants. A heavy influx of settlers in the 1840s caused the decline of the fur trade. Lumbering soon became the leading activity, and by the 1870s there were several saw mills, a shingle mill, and a sash and door factory in the community of 6,000. Grand Haven became a popular health resort in the late 1800s, famous for its Magnetic Mineral Spring.

Erected 1968 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0289.)

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. 43° 4.377′ N, 86° 13.075′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa

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County. It is on Harbor Island Drive, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located in Rix Robinson Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Harbor Island Drive, Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan,

specifically in Greater Grand Rapids,

and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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 walking distance of this marker: U.S. Coast Guard Boat Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive (approx. 0.7 miles away); Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal (approx.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

2. Grand Haven Marker

East side of two sided marker

0.7 miles away); Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.

Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2015

3. Grand Haven Marker

Marker along bike path in Rix Robinson Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 676 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.