Historical Markers and War Memorials in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo is the county seat for Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo is in Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County(100) ► ADJACENT TO KALAMAZOO COUNTY Allegan County(53) ► Barry County(39) ► Branch County(79) ► Calhoun County(138) ► Cass County(44) ► St. Joseph County(55) ► Van Buren County(76) ►
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On U.S. 131 at milepost 43, on the right when traveling south.
Kalamazoo is an Indian word said to mean "boiling water." Originally it was applied to the river that flows northwesterly to Lake Michigan. A trickle of settlers in the late 1820's became a torrent in the 1830's as the region's fertile prairies, oak . . . — — Map (db m68804) HM
Near Gull Road (State Highway 343) near Riverview Drive.
These gardens are dedicated as a living tribute to the members of our military forces whose service during their country's armed conflicts have played such a gallant part in the struggle to defend, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." May . . . — — Map (db m190210) WM
On Portage Street near East Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94), on the left when traveling south.
Completed in 1898, this huge building, with its elegant ballroom, replaced the old hall of the German Workingmen’s Benevolent Association or Arbeiter Unterstützungs Verein (A.U.V.). Organized in Kalamazoo in 1866, this association offered . . . — — Map (db m190216) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at South Kalamazoo Mall, on the left when traveling west on East Michigan Avenue.
Art Deco (north side)
Art Deco architecture marks the bold transition from classic revival to modernism, emphasizing straight lines, mass production, geometric spaces, metal, concrete and stone. Early Art Deco retains the . . . — — Map (db m204113) HM
On West Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at South Kalamazoo Mall, on the left when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue.
Burdick Street—1900 (west side)
Streetcars carry workers and shoppers past grocers, butchers, dress shops, restaurants, saloons, banks, cigar stores, City Hall and the post office. Horses pulling buggies crowd the brick . . . — — Map (db m204000) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94) near Portage Street, on the right when traveling east.
Button-Jannasch Building
Has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
1869 — — Map (db m190211) HM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Oldest intact commercial structure
in Kalamazoo - built circa 1857
renovation completed Spring 1989
Caleb Sweetland - Original Proprietor — — Map (db m216567) HM
On South Kalamazoo Mall near East South Street, on the left when traveling south.
Born in Vermont in 1802, David S. Walbridge became one of Kalamazoo’s most distinguished citizens. He moved here in the early 1840s and was a founding member of the First Presbyterian Church. Active in the business community, Walbridge set up a . . . — — Map (db m208345) HM
On West Michigan Avenue at South Church Street, on the right when traveling east on West Michigan Avenue.
Constructed in 1853, this is the oldest church building in Kalamazoo. Titus Bronson, the city’s founder, donated this site on Church Square. The Baptist faith reached the Kalamazoo River Valley in 1826 when missionary Leonard Slater preached to . . . — — Map (db m74522) HM
On South Park Street (State Highway 331) north of West South Street, on the right when traveling south.
In 1830 the Reverend James T. Robe, a young Methodist circuit rider, delivered the first sermon in the village of Bronson, later Kalamazoo, at the home of the town’s founder, Titus Bronson. After his appointment to the Kalamazoo Mission in 1832, . . . — — Map (db m74489) HM
Near S. Park Street (State Highway 331) north of W. Lovell Street, on the right when traveling north.
This building, completed in 1879, is the first in the nation erected for the use of a women’s club. The Ladies’ Library Association, organized in January, 1852, grew out of a reading club started in 1844. It was the first women’s club in Michigan . . . — — Map (db m74487) HM
On West Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at South Kalamazoo Mall, on the right when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue.
A Place of Firsts (east side)
The northeast corner of Rose and Michigan looms large in Kalamzoo's pioneer saga. It was here that Hosea Huston built the town's first frame structure and store, in 1831. Pioneer physician Jonathan . . . — — Map (db m203997) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) near South Kalamazoo Mall, on the left when traveling east.
Development began in the Haymarket district as early as the 1830s and was spurred by the construction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Depot in 1870. The district became a hub for retail, wholesaling and light manufacturing. It was the . . . — — Map (db m190213) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) near South Edwards Street, on the right when traveling east.
Development began in the Haymarket district as early as the 1830s and was spurred by the construction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Depot in 1870. The district became a hub for retail, wholesaling and light manufacturing. It was the . . . — — Map (db m190214) HM
Near West South Street at Saint John Place, on the left when traveling east.
Upper Plaque:
In Memoriam
U.S.S. Maine
Destroyed in Havana Harbor
February 15th, 1898
This tablet is cast from metal recovered from the U.S.S. Maine
Lower Plaque:
Tablet secured for Richard Westnedge Camp No-16, . . . — — Map (db m30387) HM
On South Rose Street at Academy Street, on the left when traveling north on South Rose Street.
Through blurred eyes we find the strength and
courage to soar beyond the moment.
We look to the future knowing
we can never forget the past.
In memory of our valiant friends
who perished on September 11, 2001
From the residents of . . . — — Map (db m190629) WM
On West South Street, on the left when traveling east.
Initiated by the religious communities of Kalamazoo
and supported by its citizens
in commemoration of the bicentennial
July 4, 1976
Kirk Newman Sculptor — — Map (db m216592) WM
On Academy Street at South Rose Street, on the right when traveling west on Academy Street.
As America loves her liberty, so will she honor her patriots who risked their lives and spilled their blood to keep her free.
This memorial is dedicated to Kalamazoo County disabled veterans of all of the American Wars. June 14, 1985
May the . . . — — Map (db m190620) WM
On South Burdick Street at E. Lovell Street, on the right when traveling north on South Burdick Street.
Founded in 1833 as the weekly Michigan Statesman and St. Joseph Chronicle, this newspaper, edited by Henry Gilbert, followed the United States Land Office when it moved from White Pigeon to Kalamazoo in 1835. It first appeared as the . . . — — Map (db m74528) HM
On South Rose Street at West South Street, on the left when traveling north on South Rose Street.
In tribute to the men and women from the Kalamazoo area who served in the armed forces during the Korean War.
June 25, 1950 through July 27, 1953
"Greater love has no man than this," that a man lay down his life for his friends.
In honor of . . . — — Map (db m190223) WM
On South Kalamazoo Mall south of West Exchange Place, on the right when traveling south.
Kalamazoo River Environmental Importance
Native Americans harvested vast fields of wild rice near the mouth of the Kalamazoo and drank its crystal waters. But by the mid 1800s the river served as a drain for industrial pollutants and urban . . . — — Map (db m216864) HM
On South Rose Street at Academy Street, on the left when traveling north on South Rose Street.
In honor of those who were killed, prisoners of war & missing in action in the Vietnam War, may their sacrifices be forever remembered — — Map (db m190633) WM
On West South Street, on the right when traveling east.
Upper left
John the Baptist, successor to Elijah, whose flowing
garments balance the welcoming angel in the
upper right.
Middle left
Jesus greets the children in front of the disciples. A
strong linear pattern reinforces their . . . — — Map (db m216863) HM
Near West South Street at South Park Street (Michigan Highway 331), on the left when traveling east.
On August 27, 1856, here in this park, Abraham Lincoln, then an obscure lawyer, spoke to a rally for John Frémont, the Republican presidential nominee. This was the only time that Lincoln addressed an audience in Michigan. The event was . . . — — Map (db m26760) HM
Near West South Street near South Rose Street, on the left when traveling east.
This tablet is placed here by Sarah E. Fuller - Tent No. 8 Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Dept. of Michigan.
In memory of Orcutt Post No. 79 Kalamazoo Dept. Of Mich. Grand Army of the Republic, the veterans of the Civil War. . . . — — Map (db m30396) HM WM
On South Rose Street, on the right when traveling south.
To Lucinda Hinsdale Stone
educator organizer, philanthropist,
friend of woman,
this tablet is placed
in grateful memory, September 30, 1914,
the centenary of her birth,
by the Daughters of
the Chapter, D.A.R.
which bears her name — — Map (db m216580) HM
On West Water Street at North Kalamazoo Mall, on the right when traveling west on West Water Street.
Michigan State Grange Organized in 1873, the Michigan State Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry held its first annual meeting in January 1874 at Allen’s Hall, which once stood on this site. The Michigan Grange grew rapidly with over six . . . — — Map (db m190215) HM
On South Rose Street, on the left when traveling north.
In recognition of
the work and effort of
Molly Barker,
founder of "Girls On The Run,"
and visionary of girls
with self-respect and
healthy living everywhere. — — Map (db m216578) HM
On South Rose Street, on the right when traveling south.
This the 11th day of September, 1913
by the 11th Regiment
Michigan Volunteer Cavalry
on the 50th anniversary
of leaving for the front — — Map (db m216585) HM WM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This marker commemorates the
men and women who achieved
American independence.
These Patriots, believing in the
noble cause of liberty, fought
valiantly to found a new nation.
1775 - 1783
Presented by
Daughters of the American Revolution . . . — — Map (db m216866) WM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
United States Marine Corps
Founded November 10, 1775
"Semper Fidelis"
"Always Faithful"
"The Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand."
Richard Harding Davis
"Words are not enough to truly express
the gratitude we . . . — — Map (db m217873) WM
On West South Street west of S. Westnedge Avenue (Michigan Highway 331), on the right when traveling west.
This tree-lined neighborhood, today nestled between the business district and college campuses, recalls a quiet but prosperous Kalamazoo at the turn of the century. The street was platted in 1841. Its beautifully preserved houses, which were . . . — — Map (db m74523) HM
On South Rose Street at Academy Street, on the right when traveling south on South Rose Street.
Erected by the citizens of Kalamazoo city and county to commemorate the valor and patriotism of those who served in the war with Spain, the Philippine insurrection, and the China relief expedition.
Dedicated May 30th, A.D. 1924 under the auspices . . . — — Map (db m30386) HM
On South Rose Street, on the right when traveling south.
For nearly all of its history, Bronson Park was used as it is now: for celebrations, speeches, concerts, protests, and other public events,
as well as quiet rest and relaxation. Over time, the affection attached to this park by its visitors, users . . . — — Map (db m216587) HM
On West Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94) at South Rose Street, on the right when traveling east on West Michigan Avenue.
In 1858, the citizens of Kalamazoo extended free public education
beyond the elementary level when they used tax money to construct
Kalamazoo Union High School and to fund both elementary and
secondary studies.
In i873, several . . . — — Map (db m192982) HM
On Portage Street near East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling north.
Originally designed for the Peninsula Restaurant, this three-story brick structure was built by Nicholas Baumann in 1874. The elegant ethnic restaurant gave way to the Franklin and Folz clothing store in 1884. After Franklin and Folz moved in 1924, . . . — — Map (db m190212) HM
On South Kalamazoo Mall, 0.1 miles north of East South Street, on the left when traveling south.
The Upjohn Pill & Granule Company was founded on this site in 1886 by Dr. William E. Upjohn and his three brothers — Dr. Henry U., Frederick L., and Dr. James T. Upjohn. The pill-making factory began in the basement of a commercial block, where the . . . — — Map (db m191504) HM
On South Rose Street, on the right when traveling south.
Presented to the city, July 4, 1907
in memory of the pioneers and patriots of this county
who by their deeds of heroism voiced the "Spirit of Liberty"
Erected by
the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Chapter
Daughters of
the American Revolution Tablet . . . — — Map (db m216582) HM
On West Water Street, on the right when traveling north.
Near this site was the log
cabin home of Titus Bronson,
first permanent settler of
the village of Bronson, as
Kalamazoo was called until
1836. He was born in Middlebury, Conn. on Nov. 27, 1788.
He farmed at Tallmadge, Ohio
and Ann Arbor . . . — — Map (db m216347) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at South Kalamazoo Mall, on the right when traveling west on East Michigan Avenue.
Railroads (north side)
The Michigan Central Railroad whistled into Kalamazoo in 1846, linking it with critical eastern markets. The Lake Shore (1867) and Grand Rapids & Indiana (1870) then arrived from the south. Another line . . . — — Map (db m203985) HM
On South Rose Street, on the right when traveling south.
Weight 15204 pounds,
Grant W. Tuttle
Geo F. Larned
G.A.R. Orcutt Post, Nº 79
To the Soldiers and Sailors of
1861-1865 and 1898. — — Map (db m216586) WM
Near Douglas Avenue north of W. D Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
(Side One)
In 1843 the Reverends Mason Knappen and Ova Hoyt organized the Cooper Congregational Church with families from New York and Vermont. Church founders included Laura Blanchard, John and Betsy Borden, Mace, Nancy and John Borden, . . . — — Map (db m68817) HM
On W. E Avenue, 0.3 miles west of N. Westnedge Avenue, on the left when traveling west.
William Smith DeLano (1819-1901) was a southwestern Michigan pioneer settler. He built this modest Greek Revival style house in 1858. A native of western New York State, DeLano came to the area with an uncle in 1837. He first worked clearing farms . . . — — Map (db m68820) HM
On Egleston Avenue east of Race Street, in the median.
This stone, placed here October 1923, by the surviving members of the Twenty-fifth Michigan Volunteer Infantry who served m the Civil War, marks the spot where this regiment first went into camp, September 1, 1862, was mustered into the service of . . . — — Map (db m190209) HM WM
This locality, known as Indian Fields, was the site of a large Potawatomie village. The tract included about four square miles. The early white settlers found here fine examples of the famed garden beds. A short distance southwest of this terminal a . . . — — Map (db m190193) HM
For Polish Americans who died
in World War II
the honored dead
Francis J. Piotrowski •
George G. Topoll •
Paul A. Mandjiak •
Stanley T. Ambro •
Felix M. Podkoscielny •
Andrew J. Rapacz •
Edward V. Czernecki •
Stephen P. Flera • . . . — — Map (db m216566) WM
On Parkview Avenue at 11th Street, on the right when traveling east on Parkview Avenue.
Among the earliest pioneers of Oshtemo Township was a Black family, that of Enoch and Deborah Harris. Born in the East in the late 1700's, they settled in the Ohio wilderness about 1810. Moving westward with the advancing frontier, they claimed land . . . — — Map (db m23059) HM
On Stuart Avenue near West Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Dorr O. French (1861-1919) built this Queen Anne-style house designed by H. B. Flagler in 1895. It included butternut moldings, stained-glass windows, decorative plasterwork, and a forest-scene mural in the dining room. French operated a law firm, . . . — — Map (db m217928) HM
On Stuart Avenue near West North Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Homes of this neighborhood reflect the individuality and at times the economic status of their original owners. These homes, designed in the architectural styles of the mid and late nineteenth century, range from the fashionable Queen Anne, most . . . — — Map (db m191501) HM
On West Main Street at Woodward Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
Charles Stuart, politician and lawyer, initiated this residential area with the building of his Italianate house in 1858. Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas visited the Stuart home, which was one of the first on the west edge of the village of . . . — — Map (db m191502) HM
On West Kalamazoo Avenue (State Highway 43) at Elm Street, on the right when traveling west on West Kalamazoo Avenue.
Wealthy merchants and businessmen, seeking an escape from the hurried life of downtown living, built this prosperous neighborhood in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Movement to the suburbs gained in popularity after the 1850s, but lack of . . . — — Map (db m64116) HM
On Stuart Avenue near West Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
This historic house was built in 1858 for United States Senator Charles E. Stuart. As one of the leading lawyers and Democratic politicians of his day, Stuart naturally desired a house befitting his position. Thus it included tile and marble from . . . — — Map (db m191503) HM
On South Burdick Street near W. Cedar Street, on the right when traveling north.
The only resident of Kalamazoo to be elected governor of Michigan during its first 150 years, Epaphroditus Ransom lived and farmed on this site. Born in Massachusetts in 1796, Ransom came to Michigan in 1834. An attorney, he soon became the area’s . . . — — Map (db m74527) HM
On S. Park Street (State Highway 331) at Balch Street, on the right when traveling north on S. Park Street.
A Scotsman, named Taylor, grew the first celery in Kalamazoo in 1856. Diners at the Burdick Hotel regarded it with curiosity. Cornelius De Bruyn, a gardener, who came here from The Netherlands in 1866, developed the modern type of celery from the . . . — — Map (db m74486) HM
On S. Westnedge Avenue (State Highway 331) at W. Walnut Street, on the left when traveling south on S. Westnedge Avenue.
The first classroom building for the Michigan and Huron Institute, now Kalamazoo College, was erected on this site between June and September of 1836. The charter bill for the school had been introduced in the Michigan Territorial Legislative . . . — — Map (db m74525) HM
On South Westnedge Avenue (State Highway 331) at West Vine Street, on the right when traveling south on South Westnedge Avenue.
Near here, in 1858, Kalamazoo's first high school was opened. Fifteen years later the right of the school board to levy taxes to support a high school was challenged. A unanimous decision of the Michigan Supreme Court, rendered by Justice Thomas M. . . . — — Map (db m193020) HM
Near South Westnedge Avenue (State Highway 331) at Park Place, on the right when traveling south.
South Westnedge Street Park is actually Kalamazoo’s first cemetery. The pioneer leader, Cyren Burdick, and his wife Mary Ann in 1833 donated this land as a common burial ground. From this time until 1862 hundreds of pioneer settlers were buried here . . . — — Map (db m74526) HM
On West Main Street near Monroe Street, on the right when traveling west.
Near here is the grave of Edward Israel who went on the nation’s first polar expedition, led by Lieutenant Adolphus W. Greely. The team set out in 1881 for Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Ocean. Expedition scientist was Israel of Kalamazoo, age 22, a . . . — — Map (db m211297) HM
On Monroe Street at Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Monroe Street.
Frank Henderson, a Kalamazoo military regalia manaufacturer, platted the Henderson park neighborhood in 1888. Taking advantage of the topography, Henderson rejected a typical grid pattern in favor of curving, tree lined streets and deep setbacks . . . — — Map (db m191500) HM
On Oakland Drive at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital’s main entrance, on the right when traveling south on Oakland Drive.
Until the 1840’s the mentally ill received little
therapy and often were neglected. Upon recommendation of Governor Epaphroditus Ransom,
the legislature. In 1848, established Michigan’s
first state Institution for the treatment of
mental . . . — — Map (db m230050) HM
On West Michigan Avenue at Archer Drive, on the right when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue.
Established by legislative act in 1903 as Western State Normal School, the first classes were held in 1904. The first permanent building, completed in 1905, overlooked the city from Prospect Hill. By the 1920's Western had become one of America’s . . . — — Map (db m191505) HM
