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

Woodward Avenue Cultural Heritage Tour

Campus Martius

Photographed By Joel S., December 2, 2015

1. Woodward Avenue Cultural Heritage Tour - Campus Martius Marker

Inscription. In the earliest days of Detroit, Campus Martius, which means "military ground," served as a drill ground for militia. When Judge Augustus Woodward created his street plan for Detroit in 1807, he began at Campus Martius.

Campus Martius became the "town square" of Detroit as development moved north from the river along Woodward Avenue. It became the place to quickly spread news and information to the citizens.

Campus Martius has been the site of numerouse public gatherings, ceremonies, rallies, and memorials. In 1861, the First Michigan Infantry Regiment departed for the Civil War in a public ceremony at Campus Martius. Over the centuries, two City Hall buildings have stood at Campus Martius, as well as dozens of public fountains and monuments, including the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

In 2004, Campus Martius Park was dedicated, restoring Campus Martius' distinction as "Detroit's Gathering Place."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 42° 19.94′ N, 83° 2.849′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is on Woodward Avenue, on the right

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when traveling south. This marker is just northwest of Campus Martius Park, where northbound and southbound Woodward Avenue rejoin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1037 Woodward Avenue, 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. The Iron Brigade / The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Detroit's Underground Railway Station (about 400 feet away); The Kern Clock (about 400 feet away); The First Capitol Building in Michigan (about 500 feet away); Kresge Korner (about 500 feet away); Finney Barn (about 500 feet away); Michigan's First Capitol/Capitol Union School (about 500 feet away); History of the Penobscot Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Photographed By Joel S., December 2, 2015

2. Woodward Avenue Cultural Heritage Tour - Campus Martius Marker

<i>The Campus Martius, Detroit, Mich.</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1925

3. The Campus Martius, Detroit, Mich.

<i>Campus Martius - City of Detroit</i> - Panoramic Postcard <i>(Click to enlarge.)</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1920

4. Campus Martius - City of Detroit - Panoramic Postcard (Click to enlarge.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3, 4. submitted on December 17, 2015.