Saugatuck in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Singapore, Michigan

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, July 28, 2011

1. Singapore, Michigan Marker

Inscription. Beneath the sands near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River lies the site of Singapore, one of Michigan's most famous ghost towns. Founded in the 1830's by New York land speculators, who hoped it would rival Chicago or Milwaukee as a lake port, Singapore was in fact, until the 1870's, a busy lumbering town. With three mills, two hotels, several general stores, and a renowned "Wild-cat" bank, it outshone its neighbor to the south, "The Flats," as Saugatauk was then called. When the supply of timber was exhausted the mills closed, the once bustling waterfront grew quiet. The people left, most of them settling here in Saugatauk. Gradually, Lake Michigan's shifting sand buried Singapore.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S191.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 42° 39.289′ N, 86° 12.242′ W. Marker is in Saugatuck, Michigan, in Allegan County. Marker is at the intersection of Butler Street and Culver Street, on the left when traveling north on Butler Street. Marker is clearly visible from both Butler Street and Culver Street. "Saugatuck

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Engine House" marker is at same location, affixed to front of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Butler Street, Saugatuck MI 49453, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saugatuck Engine House (here, next to this marker); Reed's Livery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Congregational Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); All Saints Episcopal Church / Gordon W. Lloyd (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saugatuck Pump House (approx. 0.4 miles away); New Singapore (approx. half a mile away); Mt. Baldhead (approx. 0.7 miles away); Francis Metallic Surfboat (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saugatuck.

Regarding Singapore, Michigan. Singapore is in the sand dunes directly north of Saugatuck, near the end of Saugatuck Beach Road.

Also see . . . How This Michigan Town Accidentally Buried Itself in Sand (YouTube). (Submitted on February 23, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Additional commentary.
1. Singapore Poem
By Kalamazoo River's mouth, beneath the sand,
Lies Singapore, a ghost town in Michigan's land.
Founded by speculators from New York State,
Dreaming of fortunes, they hoped to create.

Founded

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, July 28, 2011

2. Singapore, Michigan Marker

Image of marker taken from the intersection of Culver & Butler Streets looking towards the northwest.

in the 1830s, Michigan's pride,
Hoping it'd rival Chicago, with dreams so wide.
A port on the lake, a prosperous claim,
With hopes to attain fortune and fame.

Lumbering thrived, bustling with might,
Three mills, two hotels, a bustling sight.
General stores and a renowned "Wild-cat" bank,
Singapore's glory seemed forever spanked.

Outshining "The Flats," its neighbor nearby,
Saugatuck then called, outmatched by the sky.
But when the timber's supply was depleted,
The mills closed their doors, dreams were defeated.

People left, seeking new hopes and chance,
In Saugatuck, they settled, a life to enhance.
While memories faded, buried under the sand,
Singapore's ghostly presence forever will stand. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted June 21, 2023, by Zack Schoenheide of Jacksonville, Florida.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,551 times since then and 398 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.