Near Saugatuck in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Allegan Road
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
1. The Allegan Road Marker
Inscription.
The Allegan Road. . When Allegan county was organized in 1835, the only road from the interior to Lake Michigan followed an Indian Trail along the Kalamazoo River. In 1838 Ralph Mann of Connecticut was supervising improvements at the short-lived town of Richmond. He and two men widened the trail eight miles from Richmond toward Allegan. Beginning in the 1840s stagecoaches traveled the road, used by settlers, traders and trappers. When river conditions prohibited boat travel, the Allegan Road provided an important link between the county seat and the lake.
When Allegan county was organized in 1835, the only road from the interior to Lake Michigan followed an Indian Trail along the Kalamazoo River. In 1838 Ralph Mann of Connecticut was supervising improvements at the short-lived town of Richmond. He and two men widened the trail eight miles from Richmond toward Allegan. Beginning in the 1840s stagecoaches traveled the road, used by settlers, traders and trappers. When river conditions prohibited boat travel, the Allegan Road provided an important link between the county seat and the lake.
Erected 1994 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1908.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 42° 39.276′ N, 86° 10.998′ W. Marker is near Saugatuck, Michigan, in Allegan County. Marker is on Old Allegan Road, 0.1 miles west of New Richmond Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the entrance to River Bluff Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saugatuck MI 49453, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Welcome to River Bluff Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
An identification sign for the Allegan County Heritage Trail is located next to the marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
3. The Allegan Road Marker
View to east along Old Allegan Road
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 6, 2014
4. The Allegan Road Marker
View to west along Old Allegan Road crossing underneath Interstate 196
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 666 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 11, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
