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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
115 entries match your criteria. The first 100 are listed.                                               The final 15 

 
 

Historical Markers and War Memorials in Kent County, Michigan

 
Clickable Map of Kent County, Michigan and Immediately Adjacent Jurisdictions image/svg+xml 2019-10-06 U.S. Census Bureau, Abe.suleiman; Lokal_Profil; HMdb.org; J.J.Prats/dc:title> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Usa_counties_large.svg Kent County, MI (115) Allegan County, MI (53) Barry County, MI (39) Ionia County, MI (57) Montcalm County, MI (22) Muskegon County, MI (21) Newaygo County, MI (5) Ottawa County, MI (83)  KentCounty(115) Kent County (115)  AlleganCounty(53) Allegan County (53)  BarryCounty(39) Barry County (39)  IoniaCounty(57) Ionia County (57)  MontcalmCounty(22) Montcalm County (22)  MuskegonCounty(21) Muskegon County (21)  NewaygoCounty(5) Newaygo County (5)  OttawaCounty(83) Ottawa County (83)
Grand Rapids is the county seat for Kent County
Adjacent to Kent County, Michigan
      Allegan County (53)  
      Barry County (39)  
      Ionia County (57)  
      Montcalm County (22)  
      Muskegon County (21)  
      Newaygo County (5)  
      Ottawa County (83)  
 
Touch name on this list to highlight map location.
Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
1 Michigan, Kent County, Ada — L0075 — Ada Covered Bridge
On Thornapple River Drive Southeast at Fase Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south on Thornapple River Drive Southeast.
An act of the legislature in 1867 authorized Ada Township to borrow up to $3000 for the purpose of building or repairing bridges in the township. This bridge was built about that time, apparently by William Holmes. The design for the trusses was . . . Map (db m182789) HM
2 Michigan, Kent County, Belmont, Plainfield Charter Township — Plainfield Charter Township Veterans Memorial
On Belmont Avenue Northeast at Jupiter Avenue Northeast, on the left when traveling north on Belmont Avenue Northeast.
Dedicated To All The Men And Women Of This Community Who Helped To Preserve The Freedom Of This Great Nation Plainfield Charter Township 2003Map (db m176432) WM
3 Michigan, Kent County, Belmont, Plainfield Charter Township — L0582 — William Hyser / Austerlitz Post Office
On West River Drive Northeast at Mall Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling east on West River Drive Northeast.
William Hyser William Hyser (1826-1909), pioneer surgeon and Civil War captain, came to Plainfield Township in 1850, when it was a lumber center. In 1852 he built this Greek Revival house as a home and an office for his medical and civic . . . Map (db m176433) HM
4 Michigan, Kent County, Byron Center — L1451 — Byron Township Hall
On Prescott Street Southwest at Harlow Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling east on Prescott Street Southwest.
Byron Township Hall was built in 1876. Byron Center had been platted four years earlier from the Samuel S. Towner farm which was located in the geographic center of the township. The hall housed the township library until 1963 and continued to house . . . Map (db m176439) HM
5 Michigan, Kent County, Caledonia, Caledonia Township — American Legion Post 305 Veterans Memorial
On Cherry Valley Avenue Southeast (Michigan Route 37) at Emmons Stree Southeast, on the right when traveling north on Cherry Valley Avenue Southeast.
In memory of all those who have given their lives in the service of our country 1776 - 1918 for God and country In memoirium World War II and the Korean War 1954 In memorium Vietnam War 12-22-61 ---- 5-7-75 . . . Map (db m216909) WM
6 Michigan, Kent County, Caledonia, Caledonia Township — L478 — David Kinsey Home
On 100th Street Southeast near Meadowdale Drive Southeast, on the right when traveling west.
David Kinsey, the founder of Caledonia village, settled on this site on April 13, 1856. He replaced his temporary lodging, a board shanty, with a plank house shortly after he arrived. Occasionally, Indians would be found sleeping on the first floor . . . Map (db m216775) HM
7 Michigan, Kent County, Comstock Park, Algoma Township — L2241 — Pine Island Drive Bridge
On Pine Island Drive Northeast at Nestor Avenue Northeast, on the left when traveling north on Pine Island Drive Northeast.
The Pine Island Drive Bridge is a rare Michigan example of a reinforced concrete rainbow arch bridge. A type of through arch design, this bridge, built between 1922 and 1924, replaced a steel truss bridge. The low river banks at the crossing of the . . . Map (db m176423) HM
8 Michigan, Kent County, Comstock Park, Alpine Township — L1417 — Alpine Township Hall
On 7 Mile Road Northwest at Walker Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east on 7 Mile Road Northwest.
In 1847, Alpine Township was set apart from Walker Township at a meeting held in a schoolhouse in present-day Comstock Park. Edward Wheeler was elected supervisor. Subsequent meetings were held in a log school one-half mile east of here on the . . . Map (db m176424) HM
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9 Michigan, Kent County, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids — 2352 — Ramona Park
On Wealthy Street, 0.1 miles west of Lakeside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
In the 1880s the Grand Rapids Street Railway Company began developing a trolley park at the end of its line at Reeds Lake. In 1886 a Grand Rapids newspaper held a naming contest for the park. A half-dozen judges selected the winning name, . . . Map (db m240637) HM
10 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Camp Kellogg and Camp Lee
On Fountain Street, 0.1 miles east of Prospect Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
In honor of the loyal service of the 6th, 7th and 10th Regiments Michigan Cavalry Volunteers 1862-1864 Battery K 13th Battery Camp Kellogg and Camp Lee were located within the present boundary limits of Bridge, Union, Lyon and . . . Map (db m242048) HM WM
11 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — 2353 — Catholic Central High School
On Maple Street near Sheldon Boulevard, on the left when traveling west.
Father Frederic Baraga established the Mission of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the west side of the Grand River in 1833 and began Catholic education in Grand Rapids. During his seventeen months there, some thirty Odawa children and about a . . . Map (db m240460) HM
12 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Courthouse Square
On Fulton Street at Sheldon Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Fulton Street.
On November 8, 1833, four years before Michigan became a state, three commissioners appointed by Territorial Governor George B. Porter designated this square as the seat of justice for Kent County. Five years later, with its population grown to . . . Map (db m242109) HM
13 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Father Baraga's Mission Church
On Butterworth Street, 0.1 miles west of Front Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
The first Catholic Church in the Grand River Valley, St. Mary's Indian Mission at the Grand River Rapids, was dedicated just a few yards west of this spot by missionary Father Frederic Baraga on April 20, 1834. Baraga (1797-1858) had come here in . . . Map (db m243435) HM
14 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — First Baptist Mission Station
Near Bridge Street at Scribner Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This tablet marks the site of the first Baptist mission station for the Ottawa Indians on Grand River established in 1827 conducted by Rev. Leonard Slater under the auspices of the American Baptist Missionary UnionMap (db m240644) HM
15 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — German-English Schoolhouse
Near Bridge Street at Scribner Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
On this site for 114 years stood the historic German-English schoolhouse. Built in 1868 by the German-English School Association, the structure was used as a school and meeting house for the pioneer German families of Grand Rapids. In 1880 it was . . . Map (db m240641) HM
16 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Grand Rapids Public LibraryMichigan Sesquicentennial Organization
Near Library Street NE at East Park Place NE, on the right when traveling west.
This plaque is issued by the Historical Society of Michigan in recognition of Grand Rapids Public Library founded in 1871 for more than 150 years of continuous operation in service to the people of Michigan and for contributing to the growth and . . . Map (db m241340) HM
17 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Helen J. ClaytorBorn: April 12, 1907 — Died: May 10, 2005 —
On Fountain Street near Bostwick Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Claytor was an educator, civil rights activist and the first African American President of the Grand Rapids YWCA and the national YWCA. Born Helen Jackson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she moved to Grand Rapids in 1943 and married Dr. Robert . . . Map (db m242361) HM
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18 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — La Grande Vitesse
On Ottawa Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Michigan Street, on the right when traveling south.
"La Grande Vitesse," the bright red stabile created for Grand Rapids by renowned artist and sculptor Alexander Calder, is a distinctive downtown landmark. Weighing 42 tons and standing four stories high, the steel abstraction was named "La Grande . . . Map (db m241509) HM
19 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Old North Park Bridge
Near Riverside Park Drive, 0.1 miles west of Monroe Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Between 1884 and 1903, when three of its spans were swept away by a Grand River flood, a wooden bridge connected Comstock Park with the City of Grand Rapids. A year later, on the same location, a wrought iron truss bridge was built at a cost of . . . Map (db m242565) HM
20 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Saint Andrew School Memorial
On Maple Street near Sheldon Boulevard, on the left when traveling west.
In the fall of 1872, ground was broken on the corner of Sheldon and Maple for a new three-story brick school building in the Second Empire style. In September of 1873, the Sisters of Mercy, a community founded in Ireland, left their convent in . . . Map (db m240463) HM
21 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Stanley KetchelBorn: September 14, 1886 — Died: October 15, 1910 —
On Bridge Street, 0.1 miles west of Broadway Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
During Grand Rapids' growth at the dawn of the 20th century, the west side of the Grand River became home to a large population of Polish and German immigrants. Among those Polish immigrants were Tomasz and Julia Kaicel, parents of Stanley Ketchel . . . Map (db m243434) HM
22 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — The Salvation Army
On Pearl Street at Campau Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Pearl Street.
On this site November 25, 1883 The Salvation Army commenced operations in the state of Michigan serving with heart to God and hand to manMap (db m242884) HM
23 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids — Village of Grand Rapids
On Monroe Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Michigan Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Village of Grand Rapids was organized by an act of the Michigan legislature on April 5, 1838. Located on the east side of the Grand River, the village was bounded by Fulton Street on the south, Hatch's Addition on the east, Hastings Street on . . . Map (db m242112) HM
24 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Belknap Lookout — L0479 — Sixth Street Bridge
On 6th Street Northwest at Monroe Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east on 6th Street Northwest.
The Massillon Bridge Company of Ohio built this $31,000, four-span bridge for Grand Rapids in 1886. The rust-resistant wrought iron used in its four Pratt trusses accounts for its durability. In 1921 the western truss was shortened when the west . . . Map (db m176446) HM
25 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Cascade Township — L0852 — Cascade Christian Church
On Orange Avenue Southeast near Cascade Road Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
Established in 1864, the Cascade Christian Church is the oldest of its brotherhood in Kent County. Alfred Stow and his parents, Zebulon and Edytha, who settled in the area in the early 1860s led the efforts to organize the church. The Stows had also . . . Map (db m182788) HM
26 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Cascade Township — L2000 — Cascade Township Hall
On Thornapple River Drive Southeast at Cascade Road Southeast, on the left when traveling east on Thornapple River Drive Southeast.
Built in 1898, Cascade Township Hall is a rare example of a well-preserved nineteenth century frame town hall. Cascade Township was established on April 3, 1848, when the state legislature set off Ada and Cascade Townships north and south of the . . . Map (db m182787) HM
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27 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Chateau Hills — S641 — 126th Infantry
On 44th Street Southwest, 0.5 miles west of Clyde Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
The 126th Infantry Regiment has been in active military service since 1855. The regiment began as militia companies in Grand Rapids. They provided the core of the Third Michigan Infantry Regiment, which served in the Civil War. After the war, . . . Map (db m199196) HM
28 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — L803 — Barber Briggs House
On Plainfield Avenue Northeast near Arlington Street, on the right when traveling north.
Barber and Mary Swan Briggs migrated to the Ann Arbor area from New York State in 1834. They moved to a large parcel of land near Grand Rapids in 1850, clearing it for a farm and constructing this house in 1850-52. Their son Edward served in the . . . Map (db m202669) HM
29 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — Creston World War II Memorial
On Plainfield Avenue Northeast, on the left when traveling north.
In Memoriam Erected 1943 in honor of all who sacrificed during World War No. II (Names not transcribed)Map (db m115972) WM
30 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — S0719 — Monroe Avenue Water Filtration Plant / The Beginning of Water Fluoridation
On Monroe Avenue Northwest at Caledonia Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north on Monroe Avenue Northwest.
Monroe Avenue Water Filtration Plant During the late nineteenth century, Grand Rapids residents relied on private companies to provide purified drinking water. As the city grew, so did the need for clean water. In 1900 a city-owned facility . . . Map (db m176429) HM
31 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — Purple Heart MemorialCombat Wounded Veterans
On Monroe Avenue Northeast, 0.1 miles north of 3 Mile Road Northeast, on the right when traveling north.
Dedicated to the men and women wounded in all our wars preserving the freedom of the United States Combat Wounded My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my country's way to show they care. If I could be seen by all mankind . . . Map (db m190049) WM
32 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — L1254B — Veterans' Cemetery
Near Monroe Avenue Northeast.
In April 1886, the Board of Managers of the Michigan Veterans' Facility set aside five acres for a cemetery. The Grand Rapids Post of the Grand Army of the Republic dedicated the cemetery on Memorial Day, May 31, 1886. The original cemetery was . . . Map (db m176444) HM
33 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Creston — L1254A — Veterans' Facility
On Monroe Avenue Northeast, 0.1 miles north of 3 Mile Road Northeast, on the right when traveling north.
The Michigan Veterans’ Facility (formerly the Michigan Soldiers’ Home) was authorized by Act 152 of the Public Acts of 1885, which provided for the establishment of a home for disabled Michigan veterans. This act resulted from the efforts of Civil . . . Map (db m176445) HM
34 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Bishop Frederic Baraga
On Maple Street Southeast east of Sheldon Avenue SE, on the right when traveling east.
Born 1797 Ordained a Priest 1823 Consecrated a Bishop 1853 Died 1868 Proclaimed Venerable 2012 Bishop Frederic Baraga 1797-1868 Born in Slovenia and educated in Vienna, Baraga was ordained to the priesthood in 1823. A . . . Map (db m168170) HM
35 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — L0850A — First (Park) Congregational Church
On East Park Place Northeast.
On September 18, 1836, twenty-two persons, under the direction of the Reverend Silas Woodbury of Kalamazoo, founded one of the first Protestant congregations in Grand Rapids. Initially a Presbyterian parish, the church was reorganized under the . . . Map (db m99986) HM
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36 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — L2323 — Fountain Street Baptist Church / Fountain Street Church
On Fountain Street Northeast at Winchester Place Northeast, on the right when traveling east on Fountain Street Northeast.
Fountain Street Baptist Church In 1869, the Reverends Nathan A. Reed and Isaac Butterfield merged their two churches into the Baptist Church of the City of Grand Rapids. The Reverend Dr. Samuel T. Graves served as pastor until 1885, when he . . . Map (db m176448) HM
37 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial and Honor Roll
On Fulton Street West at Park Street NE on Fulton Street West.
1941 - 1945 1950 - 1953 They Perished Defending Us Hundreds of names on several granet pillars in Veterans ParkMap (db m100032) WM
38 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Kent County Civil War Monument & Fountain
On Division Avenue at Monroe Center Street NW, on the left when traveling south on Division Avenue.
In Honor of the Soldiers from Kent County 1861 - 1865 Erected 1885Map (db m95407) WM
39 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — L120 — Ladies Literary Club
On Sheldon Avenue Southeast.
In 1870, six women who had been meeting for a year to study history, organized Grand Rapids' first Ladies Literary Association. The group was also instrumental in opening the first public library in the city that same year. In 1882 the association . . . Map (db m99985) HM
40 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Log Jam of 1883
Near Pearl Street Northwest, 0.1 miles west of Monroe Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling west.
One of the most devastating events in Grand Rapids’ history occurred on the morning of July 26, 1883. Two weeks of record-setting rains had raised the Grand River to flood stage. When lumbermen tried to take advantage of the high water to float . . . Map (db m153293) HM
41 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Paul Steketee & SonsMichigan Centennial Business
On Monroe Center Street Northwest at Ottawa Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling east on Monroe Center Street Northwest.
Michigan Centennial Business This plaque is issued by the Historical Society of Michigan In Recognition of Paul Steketee & Sons Founded in 1862 For more than 100 years of continuous operation in service to the people of Michigan . . . Map (db m176436) HM
42 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — Roger B. Chaffee
On Fulton Street East at Division Avenue North, on the left when traveling east on Fulton Street East.
Roger B. Chaffee Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy 1935-1967 Grand Rapids Native - US Navy Aviator - NASA Astronaut Roger Chaffee perished during a test of Apollo 1 on 27 January 1967 with crewmates Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Edward . . . Map (db m189913) HM
43 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Downtown — St. Cecilia Music Society
On Ransom Avenue Northeast at Fulton Street East, on the right when traveling north on Ransom Avenue Northeast.
St. Cecilia Music Society Placed On The National Register Of Historic Places December 9, 1971Map (db m176477) HM
44 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, East Hills — L2303 — Boy Scout Troop 15 / Eagle Scout Gerald "Junior" Ford
On Lake Drive Southeast near Fitzhugh Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
Boy Scout Troop 15. In 1918, eight years after the Boy Scouts of America incorporated, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church chartered Boy Scout Troop 15 with a membership of twenty-six boys. The troop number changed to 215 in the 1940s. Among . . . Map (db m176452) HM
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45 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Eastown — S235 — Aquinas College
On White Pine Lane east of Honeysuckle Lane, on the left when traveling west.
Aquinas had its beginning in 1887 as the Novitiate Normal School of the Dominican Sisters of Marywood. In 1922 it became Marywood College of the Sacred Heart. When the college was moved downtown in 1931, it became the coeducational Catholic Junior . . . Map (db m199193) HM
46 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Eastown — 39 — Holmdene
On Wege Way, on the right when traveling west.
1906-1908 Construction years--under the direction of Edward Lowe and Susan Blodgett Lowe 1908-1938 Residence of the Lowe Family 1939-1945 Administration/classroom building of the University of Grand Rapids 1945- . . . Map (db m199195) HM
47 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Eastown — S0694 — Mathias Alten Home & Studio / Mathias Alten
On Fulton Street East at Alten Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling west on Fulton Street East.
Mathias Alten Home & Studio Grand Rapids painter Mathias Joseph Alten and his wife, Bertha, bought this house in 1914. Built in 1907, it was Alten's home and, from 1930 to 1938, his studio. Alten, who emigrated from Germany to Grand Rapids . . . Map (db m176453) HM
48 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Eastown — Shrine of Our Lady War Dead Memorial
On Elderberry Lane at Wege Way on Elderberry Lane.
Shrine Of Our Lady War Dead Memorial Planned, Funded and Erected By Aquinas College Students 1948-1953 In Memory Of Stephen Paul Hansknecht Class of 1983 Presented by His HamilyMap (db m176474) WM
49 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Garfield Park — L2194 — Benjamins-Spring House
On Madison Avenue Southeast at Alger Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south on Madison Avenue Southeast.
Leonard Benjamins (1840-1902) emigrated from the Netherlands with his family in 1847, settling in the Grand Rapids area. In 1868 he started a clothing business that operated for thirty years. Around 1886, he constructed this stately Queen Anne house . . . Map (db m176449) HM
50 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill — L2031 — Central High School
On Fountain Street Northeast.
Side A The first Central High School opened in a stone building three blocks to the west. The state legislature instituted high school grading in 1859, and the first Central High School graduation was held in 1862. Two successively larger . . . Map (db m99990) HM
51 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill — L1683C — Central Reformed Church
On College Avenue Northeast.
Side A Central Reformed Church was formed on April 23, 1918, by the merger of the first two Reformed churches in the Grand Rapids area: the First Reformed, an English-speaking church organized in 1840; and the Second Reformed, a . . . Map (db m99981) HM
52 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill — L915A — McCabe-Marlowe HouseRegistered Michigan Historic Site
On Lafayette Avenue Northeast.
Built between 1865 and 1870 by James and Hannah Gallup, this Victorian style villa is one of the oldest homes in the Heritage Hill Historic District. Gallup and his family lived here until 1896. The house was later owned by several prominent Grand . . . Map (db m99991) HM
53 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill — L691A — The Castle
On Cherry Street Southeast.
Designed by local architect William G. Robinson, this castle-like edifice was constructed in 1884-86 for Colonel E. Crofton Fox and his brother Charles. Built of granite block imported from Scotland, this house is a fine example of Chateauesque . . . Map (db m99984) HM
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54 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill — S419A — Voigt HouseRegistered Michigan Historic Site
On College Avenue Southeast.
This elegant and perfectly preserved Victorian mansion was built for Carl G. A. Voigt in 1895. Voigt came to Grand Rapids in 1870 and ran a mill and dry goods store with W. G. Herpolsheimer. In 1902, when the partnership ended, Voigt took over the . . . Map (db m99983) HM
55 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Madison Area — S648 — Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford
On Union Avenue Southeast, 0.1 miles north of Thomas Street Southeast, on the left when traveling north.
Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the U.S., lived here from age 8 to 17 (1921-1930). Of all his boyhood homes, Ford remembered this one most vividly. In his autobiography, Ford recalled that he and . . . Map (db m176451) HM
56 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Madison Area — L1593 — St. Andrew's Cemetery
On Prince Street Southeast at Prince Street Southeast, on the right when traveling north on Prince Street Southeast.
On August 5, 1852, Father Charles Louis DeCeuninck purchased ten acres of land for the formation of Saint Andrew’s Cemetery. The land was deeded to Bishop Lefevere on December 7, 1852. It was the first permanent Catholic cemetery in Grand Rapids. . . . Map (db m176450) HM
57 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Medical Mile — Grand River Bridges
Near Lyon Street Northwest, 0.1 miles west of Monroe Avenue Northwest.
Grand Rapids is a city divided by the Grand River. In its earliest days, settlers crossed the river in small boats or canoes, or on frozen ice during the winter and temporary foot bridges in the summer. The need to tie the city together led to . . . Map (db m153292) HM
58 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Medical Mile — Mayor Lyman S. ParksBorn: March 12, 1917 — Died: November 4, 2009 —
On Monroe Avenue Northwest, 0.1 miles south of Michigan Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north.
Reverend Parks was the first African American to be elected mayor of Grand Rapids. Born in Lyles Station, Indiana, Parks moved to Grand Rapids in 1966 to become pastor of First Community AME Church. In February of 1968, Parks was elected and . . . Map (db m242111) HM
59 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Medical Mile — The Grand River
On Michigan Street Northwest (Bridge Street NW), 0.1 miles west of Monroe Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling west.
The Grand, Michigan’s longest river, rises from a spring-fed pond near Jackson and flows 270 miles westward before emptying into Lake Michigan. Formed more than 13,000 years ago by melting glaciers of the last Ice Age, the ancient Grand changed its . . . Map (db m153294) HM
60 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Medical Mile — L1438 — Vandenberg Center / Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg
On Lyons Street Northwest at Lyons Street Northwest when traveling east on Lyons Street Northwest.
Vandenberg Center. Vandenberg Center encompasses 12.5 acres lying to the northeast of this site. It was part of the land originally registered on September 19, 1831, by Louis Campau, Grand Rapids’s first permanent settler. Campau platted the . . . Map (db m232215) HM
61 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, Pine Rest — L1575 — John Isaac Cutler House
On 68th Street Southeast, 0.2 miles west of Madison Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling west.
In 1853, John and Christina Cutler and their ten children came to this area from New York and founded the town of Cutlerville. In 1891 Cutler’s son John Isaac built a three-story brick house. The interior was embellished with hardwood and heated by . . . Map (db m176438) HM
62 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, South Hills — L1342 — May House
On Madison Avenue Southeast near Logan Street SE, on the right when traveling north.
This house was built in 1908-09 for local clothier Meyer S. May and his wife. Sophie Amber. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house in the prairie style. It was his first major commission in Michigan. May was the son of Abraham May, founder of May and . . . Map (db m170291) HM
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63 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — Baw-wa-ting
On Fulton Street West, 0.1 miles east of Mount Vernon Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east.
This area is dedicated to the Ottawa Indian village site that existed along this riverbank, many centuries before the coming of non-natives in this area. It is the heart of a large native community that continues in this region. Descendants of the . . . Map (db m176510) HM
64 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — S682 — Baw-wa-ting
On Fulton Street West, 0.1 miles east of Mount Vernon Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east.
Long before contact with Euro-Americans, Native Americans lived near Baw-wa-ting, “the rapids.” Some 2000 years ago Hopewellian Indians built numerous burial mounds in the area. This mound group became known as the Converse Mounds. As early as the . . . Map (db m176443) HM
65 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — Betty FordBorn: April 8, 1918 - Died: July 8, 2011 — Betty Ford was the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 —
Near Pearl Street Northwest at Scribner Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling west.
Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Bloomer was born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids. She became an accomplished dancer and was fashion coordinator for Herpolsheimer's Department Store. On October 15, 1948, she married Gerald R. Ford. Together they had . . . Map (db m176431) HM
66 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — Final Resting Place of Gerald R. Ford
Near Pearl Street Northwest.
Beyond these gates is the final resting place of our Nation's 38th President Gerald R. Ford and his wife Elizabeth R. Ford President of the United States 1974 -1977 Vice President of the United States 1973 - 1974 United States House of . . . Map (db m99970) HM
67 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — S0132 — Furniture Industry
On Front Avenue Northwest at Front Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling north on Front Avenue Northwest.
The first cabinet maker in Grand Rapids was William Haldane, who in 1837 set up a shop in his home at the corner of Pearl and Ottawa Sts. During the ensuing decades Grand Rapids attracted increasing numbers of furniture craftsmen. Under able . . . Map (db m176435) HM
68 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — Gerald R. Ford1913 - 2006
Near Pearl Street Northwest.
President of the United States 1974 -1977 Vice President of the United States 1973 - 1974 United States House of Representatives 1949 - 1973 United States Navy 1942 - 1946I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president with your . . . Map (db m99968) HM
69 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — Great Flood of 1904
Near Bridge Street Northwest (Michigan Street NW), 0.1 miles east of Scribner Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east.
The Grand River’s greatest rampage came on March 24, 1904, when waters rose to 20.4 feet, more than seven feet above flood stage. Warm days and heavy rains had melted winter snow, and ice breaking up in the river created a dam at the Grand Trunk . . . Map (db m153295) HM
70 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — NoahquageshikOgema (Chief) of the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians — ca 1770-1840 —
On Front Avenue Northwest, 0.2 miles east of Mount Vernon Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east.
Noahquageshik, also referenced as Nawquageezhig and "Chief Noonday," was a very influential Grand river Ottawa Anishinabe (Original People) leader. At the turn of the 19th century, he was one of the Ogemuk (Chiefs) who led bands of the Ottawa . . . Map (db m176441) HM
71 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, SWAN (Southwest Area) — L1125 — Valley City Milling Company
On Front Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling east.
In 1884 William N. Rowe, Conrad G. Swensberg, M. S. Crosby, and R. M. Lawrence founded the Valley City Milling Company in Grand Rapids. The company, which at first milled flour, expanded to include horse feed in 1893. Incorporated in 1894, it . . . Map (db m176442) HM
Paid Advertisement
72 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, West Grand — L1603 — Villa Maria
On Van Buren Avenue Northwest, 0.2 miles north of Walker, on the right when traveling south.
Villa Maria was founded by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1904 as a haven for destitute young women. Many girls came here seeking shelter from negligent or abusive families; in later years some were referred by social service agencies. Villa . . . Map (db m199004) HM
73 Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, West Millbrook — S0729 — Thrifty Acres
On 28th Street Southeast at Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling east on 28th Street Southeast.
In 1962, grocers Hendrik and Fred Meijer pioneered the combination of two popular retail models, discount department stores and supermarkets, in a single store. At this site, on June 5, they opened an 80,000 square-foot addition to the 20,000 . . . Map (db m176426) HM
74 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell — First Trading Post in Kent County
On Bowes Road near Fulton Street Southeast (Michigan Route 21).
The first trading post in Kent County was located on trail 44 rods to the south of this spot Established about 1800, by Joseph La Framboise, kept by him until he was killed in 1809, and by his wife until bought by Rix Robinson and moved to Ada . . . Map (db m216760) HM
75 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell — Fur Trade in LowellWhere The Rivers Meet
Near Bowes Road near Fulton Street Southeast (Michigan Route 21), on the right when traveling south.
The Cabin This interpretive cabin is located on the site commemorated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1921 as the site of "The first trading post" in Lowell. The large stone marker gave directions close to this location. The . . . Map (db m216758) HM
76 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell — Joseph and Magdelaine LaFramboiseWhere The Rivers Meet
On Bowes Road near Fulton Street Southeast (Michigan Route 21), on the right when traveling south.
Joseph LaFramboise Sr. 1765-1806 The first trading post in the Lowell area was built by Joseph LaFramboise who traded along the Grand River as early as 1793. While its exact location is not known, it was built on the north bank, west of . . . Map (db m216759) HM
77 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — 1580 — Alton Pioneer Village
On Lincoln Lake Avenue Northeast at 3 Mile Road NE, on the right when traveling north on Lincoln Lake Avenue Northeast.
In the early 1830s the settlement known as Alton grew up in this vicinity. A log schoolhouse, the first in the township, was built on this corner in 1839. In 1842, Gideon Hendricks and Newcomb Godfrey organized the Christian Church Society, and . . . Map (db m55251) HM
78 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Alton Veteran Memorial
On Lincoln Lake Road Northeast at 3 Mile Road Northeast, on the right when traveling north on Lincoln Lake Road Northeast.
In honor of those who served and sacrificed to protect and defend our freedom and liberty.Map (db m217246) WM
79 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Broadway Street
On West Main Street (Michigan Route 21) at North Broadway Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
Broadway was a busy street in early Lowell. The first school in Lowell was a log cabin built in 1838 near the north edge of the current parking lot. The inside was furnished with long benches made of split logs and desks made of boards along . . . Map (db m216904) HM
80 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — City Hall BlockWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near North Monroe Street, on the right when traveling west.
This block has been an important block on Main Street from the earliest days of town. Daniel Marsac, local fur trader and early landowner, built a log cabin tavern around 1840. The tavern served stagecoach passengers on their way through . . . Map (db m217476) HM
Paid Advertisement
81 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Clamming and the Button FactoryWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
There was a thriving business in Lowell based on freshwater clams harvested from the Flat and Grand Rivers. (1907 to 1948) Clammers plied the rivers in flat bottomed boats with a pole mounted on top. As the pole was dragged along the . . . Map (db m216765) HM
82 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Early SettlersWhere The Rivers Meet
On Avery Street near North Monroe Street, on the left when traveling west.
The earliest settlers came to Lowell from eastern states. Forty four relatives of local fur trader Rix Robinson were the first to arrive in the Grand River Valley in the spring of 1835. Some of them settled along the Flat River. Other settlers . . . Map (db m216762) HM
83 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — 197 — Fallasburg Covered Bridge
On Covered Bridge Road Northeast at Beckwith Drive NE, on the left when traveling east on Covered Bridge Road Northeast.
John W. and Silas S. Fallas settled here in 1837, founding a village which soon boasted a chair factory, sawmill, and gristmill. About 1840 the first of several wooden bridges was placed across the Flat River, but all succumbed in a short time to . . . Map (db m55253) HM
84 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — 1265 — Fallasburg Pioneer Village
On Covered Bridge Road Northeast north of Montcalm Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
(side 1) 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 . . . Map (db m55255) HM
85 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — L1228 — Fallasburg School
On Covered Bridge Road Northeast near Montcalm Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling west.
Fallasburg School Constructed in 1867Map (db m216218) HM
86 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Fur TradersWhere The Rivers Meet
Near North Monroe Street near Avery Street.
The large Native American population at the Flat River made this area important to fur traders. French and American traders came to this area to trade in the winter, returning to Mackinac Island and Detroit in the summers. The LaFramboise Post . . . Map (db m217480) HM
87 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — HotelsWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near North Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.
During the late 1800s there were two hotels, one on the south side of the street and one on the north side. It was a prime location next to the businesses in Old Wooden Row. The Lowell & Hastings Railroad depot was erected nearby on . . . Map (db m217475) HM
88 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Island ParkWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
The island in front of you was once a popular summer destination know as Island Park. "The large island in Flat River, south of the railway trestle, often refered to as Island Park, was enjoyed by many people during the summer months. . . . Map (db m216766) HM
89 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — 1348 — John Wesley Fallas House / John W. Fallas
On Covered Bridge Road Northeast at Whinnery Street NE, on the left when traveling north on Covered Bridge Road Northeast.
John Wesley Fallas House John Wesley Fallas built this house in 1842 in the village which bears his family name. Fallas platted the village on land he purchased from the U.S. government in 1839. That year, after a bridge had been built . . . Map (db m55254) HM
90 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Lowell Area Veterans Memorial
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near South Monroe Street Southeast when traveling east.
Dedicated with respect to all those men and women from the Lowell area who have or will serve our country in all branches of the military in "police actions" and "armed interventions" -- who froze in a guard shack on the 38th parallel in Korea, . . . Map (db m216767) WM
91 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Lowell Soldiers and Sailors Monument
On North Monroe Street at Fremont Street, on the right when traveling north on North Monroe Street.
G.A.R. Erected by citizens of Lowell & vicinity in honor of the soldiers & sailors who served in the War of the Rebellion. 1861-1865.Map (db m216907) WM
92 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Lowell Veterans Memorial
On East Main Street near South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
1990 - 1991 Dedicated to the Lowell area servicemen and women who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm Vietnam Korea World War I World War IIMap (db m216772) WM
93 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — LumberingWhere The Rivers Meet
Near North Monroe Street near Avery Street.
The first sawmill in Lowell was built in 1856 by Seth Cogswell on the creek south of the Grand River. However, from the 1840's-1870, most of the logs went through Lowell on log drives which continued on down the Flat and Grand Rivers to sawmills in . . . Map (db m217479) HM
94 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Lyon Block
On West Main Street (Michigan Route 21) at Riverside, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
Pioneer Cyprian Hooker opened the wooden hotel, The Franklin House on Christmas Day, 1855. After the railroad came to Segwun, south of the Grand River, in 1858 the hotel advertised that "a good hack w:il run to and from the depot." The . . . Map (db m216905) HM
95 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — L1259 — Moseley School
On 4 Mile Road Northeast at Lincoln Lake Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling east on 4 Mile Road Northeast.
Moseley School Built in 1915Map (db m217488) HM
96 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Museum Block
On West Main Street (Michigan Route 21) at North Broadway Street on West Main Street.
325 West Main - Robert Graham built this duplex as a residence for his family (west side) and his in-laws (east side) in 1873. His wife, Emma, died of pneumonia soon after moving in leaving three young children. Graham then married . . . Map (db m216903) HM
97 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Native AmericansWhere The Rivers Meet
Near North Monroe Street near Avery Street.
The Odawa were the people living in the Lowell area when white settlers arrived. They would have said they were Anishinabe, meaning the first people or the original people. The area was heavily forested with an abundance of wild animals such as . . . Map (db m217481) HM
98 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Negonce Block and Bank BlockWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.
Looking across Main Street: Negonce Block The block across the street was the location of the first frame house. It was built in 1846 by Cyprian Hooker. The house was later moved to make way for a business block. In 1905, fire . . . Map (db m217472) HM
99 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — Old Wooden RowWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) at South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
This block, once known as the Old Wooden Row, was the first business block in the village of Dansville (Lowell). Built between 1846 and 1870 it contained 11 wooden buildings. Mrs. Julia Hiler's Millinery, located in the westernmost building, . . . Map (db m217477) HM
100 Michigan, Kent County, Lowell, Vergennes Township — On The BridgeWhere The Rivers Meet
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near North Monroe Street.
North Side At one time buildings nearly filled the north side of the Bridge except for a small opening east of Mainstreet Inn. The most prominent building is the old Post Office building, built in 1884 after a fire destroyed the . . . Map (db m216763) HM

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Mar. 29, 2024