Union City in Branch County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Flood of 1908 & Broadway Bridge "Island"
Union City Heritage Water Trail
Photographed By Val Rossman, June 11, 2016
1. The Flood of 1908 & Broadway Bridge Island Marker
Union City Heritage Water Trail website entry #15
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
On March 4,1908, heavy rains on top of 24" of snow followed by a thaw caused the rivers to spill over 4" above their highest known levels, submerging large sections of the village. The Broadway Bridge collapsed into the swollen river and was swept a few hundred yards downstream before sinking. Over the years silt and debris built up over it and created this island
Erected 2016 by Union City Heritage Water Trail. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan - Union City Heritage Water Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 1908.
Location. 42° 3.934′ N, 85° 8.109′ W. Marker is in Union City, Michigan, in Branch County. In the middle of the St. Joe River just west of the Broadway Bridge on the S. end of the Union City business district. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Union City MI 49094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Titlow House & Parachute Factory (a few steps from this marker); Riverview Park (a few steps from this marker); Chivas & Jack's Grocery (within shouting distance of this marker); Caille Richards Company
this page online
More about this marker. There are 28 of these markers comprising the Union City Heritage Water Trail on the Coldwater River and the St. Joseph River launched in 2016 for the village's Sesquicentennial. These markers can be viewed by paddling the 5 mile stretch of river from the JP Palmer Launch in the Village of Union City to the Riley Dam on the SW Corner of Union Lake. Most of these markers CANNOT by accessed by foot as they are on private property along the river. Please do not trespass. More details can be found at www.uchwt.com
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. This page has been viewed 494 times since then and 67 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 12, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. View of marker in context • Can you help?
