Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Westward Welcome
on the Chicago Road
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
1. Westward Welcome Marker
The Chicago Road was the way to go west from Detroit.
After the Erie Canal in New York state opened in 1825, great numbers of Americans searched for their future to the west across the Great Lakes. Many of them traveled on the Chicago Road, or Michigan Avenue. Dearborn's history includes many inns and taverns that offered rest and refreshment along this difficult journey.
In 1833, Michigan Avenue became the center of things
In that year, the federal government built the Detroit Arsenal at Dearbornville, a military frontier outpost on land along this route, a few blocks to the east of where you stand. Here the business community began to grow with Michigan Avenue as the main street for early Dearborn.
You Auto Know
The Mustang sports car was born in the early 1960s in meetings Lee Iacocca held with designers at the Fairlane Inn, located at Michigan Avenue and Brady Street.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 42° 18.354′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bryant Branch Library (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Arsenal 1833 - 1875 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); U.S. Arsenal Officers' - Surgeons' Quarters and Barracks 1833 - 1875 (about 600 feet away); Commandant's Quarters (about 600 feet away); Michigan Soldiers Trained at U.S. Arsenal During Civil War (about 700 feet away); A Military Reserve (about 700 feet away); U. S. Arsenal - - - Armory (about 800 feet away); U.S. Arsenal-Sutler's Shop (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
2. Upper left image
Fred Papke's saloon, also known as the 10 Mile House, was one of the many stops on the Chicago Road. The saloon stood on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street but was destroyed by fire on April 11, 1900. Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
3. Lower left image
German immigrant Anthony Wagner built the 28-room Wagner Hotel at Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. Wagner worked in Detroit brickyards before moving to Dearborn where he established a farm and his own brickmaking company before building the Wagner Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
4. Middle image
The Calvin Theater on Michigan Avenue in 1927. Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
5. Upper right image
Clyde M. Ford dealership. In 1916, Clyde Ford opened one of the first Ford dealerships in America, located on Michigan Avenue between Oakwood and Monroe streets. Photo courtesy of Dearborn Historical Museum.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 10, 2016
6. Westward Welcome Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 12, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
