Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Fort Pontchartrain

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, October 18, 2022

1. Fort Pontchartrain Marker

Inscription. The first permanent French settlement in the Detroit region was built on this site in 1701. The location was recommended by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who wished to move the fur trade center south from Michilimackinac. Cadillac's plan was approved by Count Jerome de Pontchartrain, Minister of Marine, for whom the fort was named. The term le detroit (the strait) was applied to the fort and surrounding area; after 1751 the post was known as Fort Detroit. In 1760, as a result of the French and Indian War, the British gained control of Detroit and other posts in the Great Lakes region. British troops enlarged Fort Detroit, but during the American Revolution they moved to nearby Fort Lernoult, built in 1778-79. The Americans occupied Fort Lernoult in 1796 and renamed it Fort Shelby.

Erected 1967 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • War, French and Indian • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1701.

Location. 42° 19.647′ N, 83° 2.875′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County

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. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Blvd. and Jefferson Ave., on the right when traveling east on Washington Blvd.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James A. Bailey (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans' Memorial Building (about 600 feet away); State Savings Bank (about 700 feet away); Sainte Anne's Catholic Church (about 700 feet away); Comerica Incorporated (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Lernoult (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ford Motor Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ford Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Also see . . . Fort Ponchartrain du Detroit - French Rule - 1701-1760. This link is part of a site entitled "History Detroit, 1701-2001." (Submitted on August 22, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Additional commentary.
1. Fort Pontchartrain plaque
This marker has been relocated to the southwest corner of the Crown Plaza Hotel, at Jefferson Ave. and Washington Blvd. It is no longer in the garage area. It faces toward the Detroit River.

— Submitted January 1, 2015.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 13, 2009

2. Fort Pontchartrain Marker

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 13, 2009

3. Fort Pontchartrain Marker

View of historical marker affixed to outside wall, under the covered front entrance, car drop-off area, of the Pontchartrain Hotel.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 13, 2009

4. Fort Pontchartrain Marker

View of the historical marker at the front entrance of the Pontchartrain Hotel, in downtown Detroit.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 13, 2009

5. Fort Pontchartrain Marker

View of the front of the Pontchartrain Hotel and the covered car drop-off area where historical marker is located, as seen from across Larned Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,945 times since then and 267 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 18, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 22, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.