Union City in Branch County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Broadway Bridge

Union City Heritage Water Trail

Photographed By Val Rossman, June 16, 2016

1. The Broadway Bridge Marker

Union City Heritage Water Trail website entry #11
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Inscription.
The first Broadway Bridge was constructed of wood in 1835. It was replaced with a steel structure in 1876. One of the largest bridges in Branch Co., it was washed out in the flood of 1908. Many locals who had been observing the floodwaters below narrowly escaped. It was rebuilt in 1908 and again in 1977.

Erected 2016 by Union City Heritage Water Trail. (Marker Number 11.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan - Union City Heritage Water Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 42° 3.958′ N, 85° 8.044′ W. Marker is in Union City, Michigan, in Branch County. This marker is on steep north bank of the St. Joseph River just east of the Broadway bridge. It is mean to be viewed up paddling the St. Joseph River as part of the Union City Heritage Water Trail. 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. Caille Richards Company (here, next to this marker); Riverside Hotel, Duo Coach & UCI (a few steps from this marker); Chivas & Jack's Grocery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Fire Hall

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The St. Joe Tavern & The Bucket (within shouting distance of this marker); Titlow House & Parachute Factory (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Flood of 1908 & Broadway Bridge "Island" (about 300 feet away); Riverview Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union City.

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 16, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 6 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 16, 2016, by Val Rossman of Union City, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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