Historical Markers and War Memorials in Marshall, Michigan
Marshall is the county seat for Calhoun County
Marshall is in Calhoun County
Calhoun County(138) ► ADJACENT TO CALHOUN COUNTY Barry County(39) ► Branch County(79) ► Eaton County(79) ► Hillsdale County(66) ► Jackson County(130) ► Kalamazoo County(100) ► St. Joseph County(55) ►
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On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This stone marks the
"Old Territorial Road"
one of the two trails over which
emigration came into Michigan
Mary Marshall Chapter, D.A.R.
dedicates it to the
pioneer men and women
of Calhoun County — — Map (db m216537) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling west.
Presto-Change-O! From saloon to billiard parlor, to clothing store, to bakery, to museum, this edifice, built in 1868, has known many transformations. Since April Fools' Day 1978 it has housed a unique collection that celebrates the magician's arts . . . — — Map (db m28371) HM
On Brewer Street near North Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Chauncey M. Brewer immigrated
from upstate New York in 1836 at
the age of 21 years. He was elected
Marshall's first Treasurer in 1838 and
by occupation was a prosperous
dry goods merchant with associates
which included his sons, C.D. and . . . — — Map (db m190086) HM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
W.D. Robinson •
J. C. (Yankee) Thompson •
Sam Keith •
Linus Keith •
Tommy Nixon •
Sam Amlar •
Tom Faulkner •
John Brown •
Henry Larthrop •
Henry Hall •
John McCurdy •
Uriah Stevens
History of The Brotherhood of Locomotive . . . — — Map (db m216517) HM
On Verona Road, 0.1 miles west of Fountain Street, on the right when traveling west.
Butler-Boyce House This handsome Italian Villa, with paired arched windows, is adorned with combined cupola and railing. Edward Butler (1814-1881) merchant, banker and first treasurer of Calhoun County, built the residence in 1858-61 on land . . . — — Map (db m177249) HM
On Michigan Avenue at Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling west on Michigan Avenue.
Near This Spot
900 Feet North, 8° East
Stood The Cabin
Of
Adam Crosswhite
The Scene Of An Attempted
Slave Recovery
January 26, 1847
This Affair
With Others Of Like Nature
Led To The Passing Of The
Fugitive Slave Law . . . — — Map (db m177179) HM
On Maple Street at Washington Street, on the left when traveling south on Maple Street.
First held in 1839, the Calhoun County Fair has continued to this day as one of Michigan’s foremost agricultural attractions. Floral Hall, the oldest building on the fairgrounds, was constructed in 1860 in the then-popular octagon style. The wings . . . — — Map (db m225528) HM
On Washington Street at Maple Street, on the right when traveling east on Washington Street.
This 1860 building is the last of three Gothic Revival schools in Marshall. The name comes from its location on a site proposed for the Michigan state capitol. Donated to the Marshall Historical Society by the Board of Education in 1967, it is today . . . — — Map (db m177162) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling west.
Gorham (1812-1901) came to Marshall in 1836 from New York State. First a merchant, he became a banker and in 1865 organized the First National Bank of Marshall, now the Michigan National Bank. He was a defendant in the famous Crosswhite fugitive . . . — — Map (db m225807) HM
On Crary Street near South Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Isaac E. Crary (1804-1854) was a young
Connecticut lawyer who came to Marshall
in 1834 and was Michigan's first member
of the U.S. House of Representatives at
the time of statehood in 1837. In 1835
he teamed with Rev. John D. Pierce . . . — — Map (db m190362) HM
On South Eagle Street at West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Eagle Street.
The Eagle Block, built in 1867, housed five storefronts and a millinery. In April 1870, the Eagle Opera House opened on its third floor with "The Naiad Queen" operetta. The theater hosted a variety of live shows through 1903. That year, on . . . — — Map (db m177220) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling east.
The Reverend Thomas Z.R. Jones, a traveling missionary, began visiting the Marshall area in 1838. On January 16, 1840, he helped organize the First Baptist Church of Marshall with eight members. The group erected this church in 1850-51. They . . . — — Map (db m225881) HM
On Michigan Avenue at South Kalamazoo Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Michigan Avenue.
First Courthouse Established in 1829, Calhoun County made Marshall its county seat in 1831. It built its first courthouse on this site between 1837 and 1840. Designed in the Greek Revival style, the building had a rectangular footprint with four . . . — — Map (db m177324) HM
On South Marshall Avenue, 0.1 miles south of River Street, on the right when traveling south.
Gauss Ice House In 1883, J. Fred Gauss (1838-1902) bought an ice house 500 feet east of here. He harvested ice blocks from the Kalamazoo River’s mill pond, using sleds and horses to move them. In 1894, he added a steam-powered elevator to move . . . — — Map (db m177174) HM
On South Gordon Street at Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Gordon Street.
James Wright Gordon settle in Marshall in 1835. In 1839, as a legislator, he nominated Marshall to the the State Capitol and constructed what is now known as the Governor's Mansion across the street from the proposed Capitol Hill. He was elected . . . — — Map (db m177331) HM
On Gorham Street near Sibley Lane, on the right when traveling east.
Charles T. Gorham (1812-1901) came to Marshall with Chauncey Brewer and opened the Eagle Store in 1836. A native of Danbury, Connecticut, he opened Gorham's Exchange Bank in 1840. He was convicted for aiding escaped slave Adam Crosswhite and his . . . — — Map (db m190363) HM
On South Marshall Avenue, 0.1 miles north of Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
State Senator James Wright Gordon built this Greek Revival house in 1839, the year he introduced a bill to make his town state capital. Land near his house had been selected for the capitol grounds. Marshall’s hopes were not fulfilled but Gordon . . . — — Map (db m177157) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling east.
In 1866 northern Civil War veterans organized the Grand Army of the Republic to fight for veterans' pensions and other benefits. Michigan's first chapter was formed the next year. National membership peaked in 1890 with 409,489 men, while . . . — — Map (db m28380) HM
On West Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west.
Harold C. Brooks
Harold Craig Brooks (1885-1978) was Marshall's mayor from 1925 to 1931, patron, and philanthropist. His interest in city beautification set a standard for preservation and adaptive use as early as 1921. He owned and . . . — — Map (db m225783) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94) near North Eagle Street, on the right when traveling west.
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
Hemmingsen Rexall Drug Store
Founded in 1855
for more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing . . . — — Map (db m183894) HM
On Hobart Road at North Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Hobart Road.
Randall Hobart arrived in Marshall
in 1831 as a lay preacher who helped
organize the local Methodist Church.
He served as the Justice, who delayed
the Kentucky slave hunters long
enough to allow the Adam Crosswhite
family to escape to Ontario . . . — — Map (db m189341) HM
On North Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Abner Pratt settled in Marshall in 1839 and in the 1850s became Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. In 1857-59 he was United States Consul to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands. Returning home, he built this house in 1860 to recreate the island . . . — — Map (db m28384) HM
On South Marshall Street at River Street, on the right when traveling south on South Marshall Street.
Horace Perrin Horace J. Perrin (1819-1880) was a prominent businessman and industrialist. Born in New York State, Perrin settled in Marshall in 1846 and founded a general store in the city’s growing downtown. An accomplished financier, he also . . . — — Map (db m177173) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling east.
Howard F. Young (1889-1934), a native of Allegan, designed this Marshall post office building in 1932. Young studied engineering at the University of Michigan and was involved in construction work in Albany, New York, Detroit and Kalamazoo. His . . . — — Map (db m28390) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
The murals to the right, depict the history of
this Michigan Avenue business site.
The interurban depot was located here
from 1903 until 1929 at which time the
electric railway went out of business.
Richard C. Walters, Sr. purchased the
vacant . . . — — Map (db m216526) HM
On East Green Street, on the right when traveling east.
Isaac E. Crary and John D. Pierce
When attorney Isaac E. Crary came to Marshall in 1832 from Connecticut, he became fast friends with another transplanted easterner, the Reverend John D. Pierce. Interested in government and education, . . . — — Map (db m225763) HM
On North Kalamazoo Avenue north of U.S. 94, on the right when traveling north.
Michigan's first congressman lived here from the early 1840s until his death in 1854. Located on lots one and two, original plat, lower village, the house was a wedding gift from his father-in-law, Judge Abner Pratt. Arriving here in 1831, Crary . . . — — Map (db m226057) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at North Eagle Street, on the right when traveling west on Michigan Avenue.
James A. Miner, born in Marshall in 1842, began studying law in Clinton, Iowa, in 1860. Completing his studies in Marshall, he was admitted to the Calhoun County bar in 1863. There he was circuit court commissioner (1866-1870) and prosecuting . . . — — Map (db m28393) HM
On North Madison Street, 0.1 miles south of Forest Street, on the right when traveling south.
Jeremiah Cronin Jr. House This picturesque residence was erected in 1872 for Marshall merchant Jeremiah Cronin, Jr., and his wife, Susan. Local contractor Frederick N. Church constructed this house, as well as Cronin’s 1869 Michigan Avenue . . . — — Map (db m177247) HM
On West Mansion Street, on the right when traveling west.
On this foundation stood the log house of the Reverend John D. Pierce. Born in New Hampshire, Pierce moved to Marshall in 1831, where he founded the Congregational church. In 1834 he and Isaac Crary designed Michigan's school system, and from 1836 . . . — — Map (db m28394) HM
On Montgomery Street at Warren Street, on the left when traveling east on Montgomery Street.
In 1831 Sidney and George Ketchum located here on Rice Creek. This first settlement in Marshall consisted of a water-powered sawmill and log cabins. Until the twentieth century this was an important industrial area, containing at various times a . . . — — Map (db m177154) HM
On Ketchum Street, 0.1 miles west of Jones Street, on the right when traveling east.
Named for Sidney (1797-1862) and George (1794-1853) Ketchum, the brothers who created Marshall. A land surveyor and developer, Sidney obtained the grants around Rice Creek to create and name Marshall. George, an engineer for the Ohio and Chesapeake . . . — — Map (db m177176) HM
On North Kalamazoo Avenue at Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94), on the left when traveling south on North Kalamazoo Avenue.
This American Liberty Elm was named after "The Liberty Tree: Our Country's first Symbol of Freedom." On the morning of August 14, 1765, the people of Boston awakened to discover two effigies suspended from an elm tree in protest of the hated Stamp . . . — — Map (db m189895) HM
Lieutenant George A. Woodruff (1840-1863) graduated early from West Point because of the start of the Civil War. Young Woodruff served valiantly with the Army of the Potomac. At Gettysburg he was mortally wounded while defending the center of . . . — — Map (db m28395) HM
On Verona Road at 14 Mile Road, on the right when traveling west on Verona Road.
Lockwood Family New York State native Isaac Lockwood (1800-1873) came to Marshall in 1831. By 1858 he owned 480 acres of land. He and his wife, Elvira, had eight children. Their sons Peter, Augustus, and Henry were also farmers and like Isaac, . . . — — Map (db m177250) HM
On East Mansion Street at North Madison Street, on the right when traveling west on East Mansion Street.
In 1837 Marshall founder, Sidney Ketchum, built the first brick home in Calhoun County. This "Mansion House" later served as a dormitory for the Young Ladies Institute until acquired and remodeled in 1861 by Charles P. Dibble, who called his estate . . . — — Map (db m181906) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling east.
Founded in 1831 by Sidney Ketchum and settles from New York and New England, the town was named in honor of Chief Justice John Marshall. Townsmen Isaac Crary and the Rev. John Pierce planned in 1834 the innovative Michigan public school system. . . . — — Map (db m28450) HM
On East Green Street at South Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east on East Green Street.
In Memoriam
We pay reverent tribute to those from
Marshall High School
Who made the supreme sacrifice
In World War II
1941-1945
Richard Alexander, Raymond Hammond, William D. Barnes, Lawrence hazel, Thomas C. Brownfield, John P. . . . — — Map (db m177322) WM
On North Park Avenue near Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94), on the left when traveling north.
This memorial is dedicated to honor those of the community who served in time of war, and to perpetuate the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice for God and country — — Map (db m189902) WM
On North Park Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
In honor of
the men of this
organization who
gave their lives
for their
country
Richard Alexander •
William S. Nelson, Jr. •
Paul D. Orr •
R. D. Shore •
Harold Vincent — — Map (db m216862) WM
On West Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west.
This house, built for local attorney Henry W. Taylor and long owned by the Schuyler family, was also home to Mary "Mazie" Miller (1871-1941) and her husband, Craig. An outspoken suffragette and Republican political activist, Miller was an early . . . — — Map (db m28451) HM
On Michigan Avenue at North Kalamazoo Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Michigan Avenue.
This Potawatomi Indian Trail later became the Territorial Road until called State Street in the 1833 Plat of the Upper Village of Marshall. Per inducement by the Legislature in 1923, it was renamed Michigan Avenue. The street also served as U.S. 12 . . . — — Map (db m177326) HM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This Potawatomi Indian Trail later became the Territorial Road until called State Street in the 1833 Plat of the Upper Village of Marshall. Per inducement by the Legislature in 1923, it was renamed Michigan Avenue. The street also served as U.S. 12 . . . — — Map (db m216538) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
In recognition of
Michigan National Bank Marshall Branch
Founded in 1865 For more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to the
economic growth and vitality
of our state. — — Map (db m216523) HM
On Montgomery Street near Maple Street, on the right when traveling west.
A physician, John H. Montgomery settled here in 1835 from Lodi, New York, with Dr. Oliver C. Comstock, Jr. On March 16, 1838, they opened their "Splendid Store" at the town's first storefront building located just south of the present G.A.R. Hall. . . . — — Map (db m190370) HM
On Michigan Avenue at South Parkview, on the right when traveling east on Michigan Avenue.
Erected by Andrew Mann in 1835, this structure is reported to be the first brick building in Calhoun County. National House was also known as Mann’s Hotel. It served travelers passing through Marshall and hosted political and community gatherings. . . . — — Map (db m177183) HM
On South Sycamore Street at Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Sycamore Street.
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
National House Inn
Founded in 1835
for more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to the . . . — — Map (db m181905) HM
On South Marshall Avenue at East Green Street, on the right when traveling north on South Marshall Avenue.
Oliver C. Comstock Jr. (1806-1895) built this Gothic Revival house between 1849 and 1856. Comstock, born in Fairfield, New York, migrated to the Marshall area in 1836. He left a well-established medical practice in Trumansburg, New York, to start . . . — — Map (db m177178) HM
On East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Operated Smithfield-Banques, Antiques & Curiosities on this site from 1990 to 2007
This plaque dedicated in loving memory
of
Opal A dear mother an friend
October 4th, 1912 - September 27th, 2008 — — Map (db m216485) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, 0.1 miles east of South Eagle Street, on the right when traveling east.
More than fifty medicine companies have operated out of Marshall. Thirty-seven of these emerged from 1895 to 1905, the heyday of over-the-counter remedies known as “patent medicines.” Before the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, some unregulated . . . — — Map (db m177242) HM
On West Mansion Street at North Eagle Street, on the right when traveling west on West Mansion Street.
The city of Marshall was platted in 1830 by Sidney Ketchum, a land speculator from Clinton County, New York. In 1832 townsfolk erected their first public building, a modest frame schoolhouse, on land donated by Isaac E. Crary, who became one of the . . . — — Map (db m177246) HM
On West Hanover Street at South Linden Street, on the right when traveling east on West Hanover Street.
In April 1863 a meeting held here at the home of Jared C. Thompson led directly to the organization of the Brotherhood of the Footboard. Under the leadership of Marshall’s William D. Robinson, founder and first Grand Chief Engineer, 54 locals were . . . — — Map (db m177181) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94) at Exchange Street, on the right when traveling east on Michigan Avenue.
First Regiment Michigan
Engineers
September to December 1861
Left Camp Owen,
Marshall Mich.
for the front Dec. 17
1032 strong,
Col. Wm. P. Innis Comd'g.
Served in Ky. Tenn. Miss. Ala
and Ga. Marched with
Sherman to the sea. . . . — — Map (db m182357) WM
On Sam Hill Drive near U.S. 27, on the right when traveling east.
Samuel W. Hill (1819 - 1889) was the legendary surveyor and mining expert from Starksboro, Vermont who allegedly swore so badly that it was commonplace to use his name as in "What the Sam Hill" to replace swear words. Hill worked with Dr. Douglas . . . — — Map (db m189528) HM
On West Mansion Street at North Eagle Street, on the left when traveling west on West Mansion Street.
Samuel W. Hill, legendary figure of the northland, surveyed the Great Lakes’ harbors in 1840-44 and worked with Dr. Douglass Houghton on the first geological survey of the Upper Peninsula in 1845. He was later involved with the sale of land and the . . . — — Map (db m177245) HM
On Homer Road at Willow Street, on the left when traveling east on Homer Road.
In 1928 the Samuel Coleman family settled in Marshall and became one of only two African American families living in Marshall. The city’s black population had dwindled from 109 in 1870 to 9 in 1920, in part because more work was available in nearby . . . — — Map (db m177177) HM
On West Hanover Street, 0.1 miles west of South Sycamore Street, on the right when traveling east.
German immigrant Jacob Schellenberger built this structure as both a home and tavern. A stone cutter by trade, Schellenberger obtained sandstone from along the nearby Kalamazoo River for the building which he completed around 1840. Because of its . . . — — Map (db m177180) HM
On South Eagle Street at West Green Street, on the right when traveling north on South Eagle Street.
A hotel or inn has occupied this site since 1870. Here stood The Exchange which became the Johnson House in 1892. The Painter family erected the present brick building in 1895 then known as The Royal. Albert W. Schuler, Sr. purchased the hotel in . . . — — Map (db m177238) HM
On Exchange Street at East Green Street, on the right when traveling south on Exchange Street.
Sidney Ketchum (1797-1862) Sidney Ketchum, a land surveyor, was born in Clinton County, New York. Seeking a new home and hoping to found a town, Ketchum explored central lower Michigan in 1830. Later that year he obtained government grants for . . . — — Map (db m177175) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In recognition of
Stage Coach Inn Founded in 1845 For more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to the
economic growth and vitality
of our state. — — Map (db m216533) HM
On Sixteen Mile Road, 0.5 miles south of N-Drive North, on the right when traveling north.
Granville and Catherine Stow, natives of New York State, built this house between 1836 and 1844. In 1861 Matthew Hasbrouck bought the house. Also from New York, Hasbrouck descended from the French Huguenots, who sought refuge in North America from . . . — — Map (db m177251) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94) near North Eagle Street, on the right when traveling west.
This plaque is issued by the
Historical Society of Michigan
in recognition of
Sullivan Insurance Agency, Inc.
Founded in 1853
for more than 100 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for . . . — — Map (db m183891) HM
On 15 1/2 Mile Road at N-Drive North, on the right when traveling south on 15 1/2 Mile Road.
In 1836 the Hawkins family was among the first to settle Convis Township. Asahel Hawkins, who had emigrated from Vermont, began with eighty acres of government land and steadily increased his holdings until they reached 240 acres. After his death in . . . — — Map (db m177252) HM
On Michigan Avenue, 0.1 miles west of North Grand Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Interurban The Jackson and Battle Creek Traction Company began interurban service to Marshall in 1903. Its electric trains were powered by overhead lines in towns and by a sometimes deadly third rail in the countryside. Often just a single . . . — — Map (db m177219) HM
On West Michigan Avenue at South Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West Michigan Avenue.
Built by William Prindle in 1857, this landmark served as a livery stable for over sixty years. It also saw brief use as a stagecoach stop for the lines connecting Coldwater with Lansing. By 1928 it had become an unsightly gas station. Purchased . . . — — Map (db m177239) HM
On South Eagle Street at West Michigan Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South Eagle Street.
The Stagecoach Inn is recognized as one of the outstanding examples in Michigan of the Greek Revival architecture in America. Built in 1838, it stands directly on the famous Territorial Road, following Indian trails from Detroit to Chicago.
Mr. . . . — — Map (db m216535) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In recognition of
The Stuart Building The Stuart Family has owned and
operated businesses on this site
for more than 130 years of
continuous operation in service
to the people of Michigan
and for contributing to the
economic growth and . . . — — Map (db m216524) HM
On Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94) at Exchange Street, on the right when traveling east on Michigan Avenue.
Restoration and dedication of
Carver Park was a bicentennial project
of the Marshall Jaycees.
This project was made possible through
funds derived from the people of
the Marshall community. — — Map (db m182356) HM
On Michigan Avenue at North Grand Street, on the right when traveling west on Michigan Avenue.
In December 1848, James Pratt, editor of the Marshall Statesman, invited readers to join him on a gold-seeking expedition. More than fifty Michigan men pooled their resources and formed the “Wolverine Rangers.” Pratt traveled to Independence, . . . — — Map (db m177217) HM
On North Madison Street at East Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Madison Street.
Thomas J. O’Brien (1842-1933), a graduate of Marshall High School and the University of Michigan Law School, practiced law here in the First National Bank of Marshall Building from 1865 to 1876. He was appointed minister to Denmark in 1905 by . . . — — Map (db m177243) HM
On East Mansion Street at North Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on East Mansion Street.
Trinity Episcopal Church Trinity parish was organized in 1836. Early services were held in a log schoolhouse. The Rev. Samuel Buel assumed duties as the first pastor in 1838. This native Marshall sandstone building, with its Victorian interior, . . . — — Map (db m177244) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, 0.1 miles east of South Eagle Street, on the right when traveling east.
Frank A. Stuart and Harold C. Brooks ran successful medical businesses. Stuart’s company, founded around 1892, incorporated as the F. A. Stuart Company in 1898. Its most popular product was “Stuart’s Dyspepsia Tablets.” In 1880, Charles E. Brooks . . . — — Map (db m177240) HM
On 603 North Kalamazoo Avenue, 0.1 miles north of Hobalt Road, on the right when traveling south.
For thirty-three years this was the home of William Wallace Cook, prolific writer of dime novels. Heroes such as Frank Merriwell, Nick Carter, and Buffalo Bill were his speciality. Employed by Street and Smith serial publishers, Cook’s problems in . . . — — Map (db m177248) HM
