Ottawa Lake in Monroe County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

1. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

Inscription. On April 22, 1833, the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad was granted a charter by the Legislature of the Territory of Michigan and was built and in operation a year before Michigan was a state. It was to connect Toledo (then called Port Lawrence and considered to be in Michigan) with the Kalamazoo River.

By November 2, 1836, cars drawn by two horses hitched tandem and changed every 4 miles made regular trips from Port Lawrence to Adrian. Early in July, 1837 the Adrian No. 1, a steam locomotive, began the run. This was the first railroad and the first steam locomotive west of the Alleghany Mountains.

Erected by Monroe County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1955.

Location. 41° 45.852′ N, 83° 44.935′ W. Marker is in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Brown Street and Lovewell Street, on the left when traveling east on Brown Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ottawa Lake MI 49267, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Memory Of All Our Fallen Soldiers (here, next to this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Whiteford Township WW II Memorial (here, next to this marker); Centennial Terrace and Quarry / Fossil Park (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio); LCPL Kyle Sporleder (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio); Richard B. Sullivan (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio); James Ellsworth Shively (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio); P.F.C. Frank O. Florez, Jr. (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio); Don W. Moore (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ottawa Lake.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

2. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

View of historical marker situated beside a plaque affixed to large rock that honors local war heroes.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

3. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

View of the historical marker in it's location just west of the Ottawa Lake Fire Department building.

Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker on a new post. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, April 12, 2020

4. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker on a new post.

Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker with new fencing. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, April 12, 2020

5. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker with new fencing.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,439 times since then and 330 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4, 5. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.