Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

I-496 Olds Freeway

Rolling Through the City

— The I-496 freeway loop opened in late 1970. —

I-496 Olds Freeway Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, June 9, 2017

1. I-496 Olds Freeway Marker

Inscription. The road, cutting across downtown Lansing, was given the name "Olds Freeway' in honor of Ransom E. Olds. The new freeway reflected a national trend as workers moved out of the cities to suburban homes. I-496 spurred growth in the suburbs, but claimed many streets, homes and businesses in the city. The Olds Mansion and the heart of Lansing's African American community were torn out by the freeway's construction.

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Notable Events • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list.

Location. 42° 43.589′ N, 84° 33.127′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker is at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and E. St. Joseph Street, on the right when traveling north on South Washington Avenue. Marker is located on the NE corner of Washington and St. Joe. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lansing MI 48933, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan Manufacturer's Association (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Malcolm X

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(about 700 feet away); Michigan Sheriffs' Association (about 700 feet away); Ransom Eli Olds (about 800 feet away); Cherry Street School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woodbury-Kerns House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Henry Ford 1863-1947 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Olds Returns to Lansing (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Also see . . . I-496 from Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 14, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 28, 2022

2. I-496 Olds Freeway Marker

The marker has been vandalized.

I-496 Olds Freeway Marker along E. St. Joe image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, June 9, 2017

3. I-496 Olds Freeway Marker along E. St. Joe

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 9, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. 2. submitted on January 21, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on June 9, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.