Vergennes Township near Lowell in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fallasburg Pioneer Village
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023
1. Fallasburg Pioneer Village Marker
Fallasburg was settled in 1837 by two brothers from Tompkins County, New York. In 1839, John Wesley Fallas purchased the northwest quarter of section 24 and laid plans for a village. His brother, Silas S., also purchased land at that time. Other family members soon followed, making the long journey in covered wagons. John W. built a sawmill on the east bank of the Flat River in 1839. In it he established a chair factory that was a forerunner of the Kent County furniture industry. He soon added a gristmill.
(side 2)
Fallasburg was a prosperous lumber town, boasting over one hundred inhabitants by 1850. At one time, it offered a hotel and an inn that served as a regular stop on the stagecoach route between Grand Rapids and Ionia. The town also had two general stores, two shoe and harness shops, a post office, a distillery and several blacksmith shops. This structure, the Fallasburg School, was built in 1867. The focal point of the town, it was the site of town meetings, box socials, funerals and church services.
Erected 1987 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number 1265.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
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Location. 42° 58.953′ N, 85° 19.289′ W. Marker is near Lowell, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Vergennes Township. Marker is on Covered Bridge Road Northeast north of Montcalm Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14061 Covered Bridge Rd NE, Lowell MI 49331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fallasburg School (a few steps from this marker); John Wesley Fallas House / John W. Fallas (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fallasburg Covered Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); White's Bridge (approx. 2˝ miles away); Vergennes District No. 1 Alton School (approx. 2.7 miles away); Alton Pioneer Village (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lowell Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 2.8 miles away); Alton Veteran Memorial (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lowell.
Photographed By Cameron Zwart, May 5, 2012
2. Fallasburg Pioneer Village Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023
3. Fallasburg Pioneer Village Marker
Photographed By Cameron Zwart, May 5, 2012
4. Fallasburg Pioneer Village Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023
5. Fallasburg Pioneer Village Marker
Photographed By Cameron Zwart
6. Fallasburg School
Photographed By Cameron Zwart
7. Fallasburg School constructed in 1867
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. This page has been viewed 583 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 12, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. 3. submitted on February 12, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. 5. submitted on February 12, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 6, 7. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
