Located on the Riverfront between Hart Plaza and the actual Detroit River, this sculpture faces…read moreCanada. It commemorates the city's role as a major terminal in the Underground Railroad. Created by artist Ed Dwight and unveiled in 2001, the memorial features a dramatic bronze tableau of eight freedom seekers and conductor George DeBaptiste, pointing toward Canada. It symbolizes hope, resistance, and the perilous journey to liberation across the Detroit River. The 10-by-12-foot bronze sculpture also includes quilt square engravings referencing the myth of "freedom quilts" and a lantern motif etched into the base. The memorial honors the diverse coalition - African Americans, white allies, and Native Americans - who helped thousands escape slavery, and it marks Detroit's historic code name in the Underground Railroad: Midnight Created by Ed Dwight, a renowned sculptor known for memorializing African American history, it was unveiled on October 20, 2001 as part of Detroit's tricentennial celebration. On the Canadian side, Windsor hosts a companion sculpture called Tower of Freedom, also by Ed Dwight, reinforcing the shared legacy of resistance and refuge between the two cities. Maybe next time, I'll cross over and check it out. [Review 710 of 2025 - 415 in Michigan - 24270 overall]

The historical marker honoring "George" William Dolarson in Detroit is a quietly powerful tribute…read moreto one of the city's lesser-known but deeply courageous figures of the Underground Railroad. Located near the site of the former Finney Barn, the marker anchors a story that blends grit, moral conviction, and the quiet heroism of everyday resistance. It reads, "'George"'William Dolarson was born into slavery in Virginia in 1808. At age eighteen, he was sold three times. He lived in Natchez, Mississippi, until he self-e1nancipated and fled to Buffalo, New York, around 1834. There he was a sailor and encountered the Under-ground Railroad. He 1narried Maria Fletcher (1819-1891) in Canandaigua, New York, before coming to Detroit in 1836 and buying a farm. They briefly lived in Canada after the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act. Dolarson, working and staying on this site as the Capitol School's janitor from 1851 to 1854, aided freedo1n seekers brought here by abolitionists, such as Asher Array. He hid them in his home and in the Finney Barn before helping the1n cross into Canada. In 1854 he joined the California Gold Rush. Later, back in Detroit, the Dolarsons lived on Croghan Street, where he died on May 9, 1889." The marker's location in downtown Detroit adds another layer of resonance. It's not just a plaque--it's a portal into a time when the city was a critical junction for those seeking freedom in Canada. Dolarson's story, preserved here, reminds passersby that history isn't only made by generals and governors--it's shaped by janitors, farmers, and fugitives who dared to act. [Review 1007 of 2025 - 482 in Michigan - 24561 overall]

This marker is mounted on the wall of the Hotel Indigo at the intersection of Washington and…read moreMichigan. It points out the history of the roadway here. The marker reads, "The Great Sauk Trail, the most important Indian trail in the Great Lakes region, was used later by French explorers, fur traders, missionaries, and soldiers. After the 1760's the trail became a major road for British and American travelers. In the early 1800's, when a military road was needed to connect Detroit with Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Territorial Governor Lewis Cass and Father Gabriel Richard, an influential legislator, were leading supporters of the Great Sauk Trail route. With federal backing the road was surveyed in 1825 and built in 1829-36. Many sections of the road were paved with huge oak logs, covered with a layer of dirt. Even before the road was improved, land-hungry settlers moved west from Detroit via the Chicago Road (now called Michigan Avenue)." In the 1830s, the Chicago Road became a major artery for westward migration. Thousands of pioneer families used the road to settle southern Michigan, avoiding the long and treacherous boat journey around the Lower Peninsula. Despite its challenges as a primitive road, it became a lifeline for commerce and communication. Stagecoach lines like the Western Stage Company ran regular service by 1835, and towns sprang up along its path. Today, much of the original route survives as US Highway 12, with historical markers dotting the landscape from Detroit to Bronson and beyond. It is marker number S280 and was erected in 1966 by the Michigan History Division, Department of State. There is metered parking nearby. [Review 978 of 2025 - 458 in Michigan - 24532 overall]

This marker stands on the east side of Campus Martinus Park where it meets up with Michigan Avenue…read more When I saw it, it was a little back in the landscaping, and I had to pull back some of it to read it in its entirety. It points out the history of one of Michican infantry units from the Civil War. The front reads, "The Iron Brigade. The Iron Brigade became one of the most celebrated military units of the American Civil War (1861-1865). It was composed of five volunteer infantry regiments (2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, and 24th Michigan) and Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery. These men ranked among the most gallant and effective of the Union Army. Wearing distinctive black hats, they were easily recognized by friend and foe alike. U.S.-12 (Michigan/Woodward Ave.) is named the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway in their honor. "The Iron Brigade was given its nickname by General George B. McClellan as he witnessed them stand like "iron" against the enemy in Turner's Gap at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, September 14, 1862. They served in all major engagements of the Army of the Potomac. "Iron Brigade casualties ranked among the highest of the war. The 2nd Wisconsin suffered the greatest percentage loss of the entire Union Army, the 7th Wisconsin had more men killed in battle than any other Union regiment, and the 24th Michigan sustained the greatest numerical loss of all Union regiments involved at Gettysburg." The reverse reads, "Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Events on Detroit's Campus Martius spurred the patriotic citizenry to raise a special regiment from this area and so the 24th Michigan Infantry mustered into U.S. service on August 15, 1862, numbering 1,030 men. The "24th" was also known as, "The Detroit and Wayne County Regiment," as enlistments totalled 428 from the city and 479 from the townships. Commanded by Colonel Henry A. Morrow (Recorder's Court Judge), these volunteer soldiers became part of the famous Iron Brigade and first distinguished themselves, under enemy fire, at the battle of Fredericksburg. Virginia. They fought at Chancellorsville and in three other engagements before Gettysburg -- where they entered the battle with 496 men. After the first day's fight, only 99 men remained with their flag. The sacrifice of the 24th Michigan and the Iron Brigade helped slow the Confederate advance upon Gettysburg and allowed Federal forces to gain a position for victory. "The 24th Michigan struggled through 14 more battles, including the siege of Petersburg, Virginia. On May 4, 1865 the "Detroit and Wayne County Regiment" served as funeral escort for President Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. The 24th Michigan Infantry mustered out and disbanded at Detroit on June 30, 1865." The marker was erected in 1995 by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. [Review 697 of 2025 - 404 in Michigan - 24258 overall]

Unveiled in 1921, the fountain is a tribute to one of Michigan's most influential figures. Alger, a…read moreCivil War general, lumber baron, and railroad magnate, also served as Governor of Michigan, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of War under President McKinley. The monument is a collaboration between two artistic giants: Daniel Chester French, the sculptor behind the Lincoln Memorial's seated figure, and Henry Bacon, its architect. French created a seven-foot bronze allegorical figure representing the state of Michigan, with one hand raised in greeting and the other holding a sword and shield bearing the state crest. The granite pedestal features a bas-relief portrait of Alger surrounded by laurel, and lion heads serve as water spouts into the surrounding bowl. It was cast by the Gorham Manufacturing Company and installed two years later. Though the statue suffered vandalism in the 1970s--with its sword and plaque stolen--restoration efforts in 1997 replaced the missing elements, preserving this Beaux-Arts masterpiece as a lasting symbol of civic pride and artistic excellence. Wading in the fountain isn't allowed and on a hot day, it might have been fun. Still, a pretty fountain and a great tribute to a great man. Note that this is the fountain on the EAST side of Grand Circus. There is another fountain on the WEST side. [Review 966 of 2025 - 448 in Michigan - 24520 overall]

This is a beautiful building with an excellent location in downtown Detroit.  I am looking forward…read moreto the redevelopment of this building in particular, or, in worse case scenario, whatever ends up here.  There is plenty of parking.  It is easy on and off to three major freeways.  The utilities in the area are first rate and being put in to a world class state.  The building is classically built with large emblazoned letters on it announcing 'Loyal Order of Moose'.  If you are looking for a great place to settle your office or set up a branch over the next few years this is an opportunity not to be missed. "This building opened in 1922 and was designed by the firm Baxter, O'Dell & Halpin. The building has been vacant for decades, including 10 years under ownership of the Ilitch family, which paid $1.5 million for it in February 2007. In 1994, there were plans to turn the lodge into a nightclub, but that idea never came to fruition. In August 2017, Olympia Development of Michigan filed with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality a document calling for asbestos cleanup at the 45,000-square-foot building noting that it was headed for rehab."

Detroit's Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac Statue honors the French colonial founder of the city. The…read moremonument, which stands in Hart Plaza, shows Cadillac just after he arrived in 1701 and founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the community that would eventually become Detroit. Cadillac, who was born in France as Antoine Laumet, took on his aristocratic name and title after coming to North America. His position as an adventurer and explorer is depicted in the statue, which also represents the city's European beginnings and strategic significance in the fur trade and colonial growth. Along with other adjacent plaques and memorials honoring the Cadillac Convoy. This group of French-Canadians, soldiers, and clergy who accompanied Cadillac to create the settlement. Despite being hailed as a valiant pioneer, Cadillac's legacy has grown more nuanced over time as historians have reexamined his intentions and deeds, particularly his contentious alcohol and land speculating ventures. Nevertheless, the statue continues to serve as a focal point for civic memory, honoring the diverse forces that molded Detroit's establishment and tying the city's identity to its 18th-century origins. He certainly looks heroic and brave here. [Review 711 of 2025 - 416 in Michigan - 24271 overall]

Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac (March 5, 1658 - October 16, 1730), born Antoine Laumet, was a French…read moreexplorer and adventurer in New France, which stretched from Eastern Canada to Louisiana on the Gulf of Mexico. This statue of Antoine Laumet itself was dedicated July 24, 2001, in commemoration of the tricentennial of his arrival sculptors: William Kieffer and Ann Feeley. And it serves as a tribute to his contributions to the development of Detroit and the surrounding area. The car brand Cadillac was named after Antoine, and its headquarters was in the city of Detroit, where Cadillac himself explored. Philip A. Hart Plaza, where this statue sits is believed to be where Antoine Laumet landed and found in 1701, when it was known as Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit which became the city of Detroit. The area itself became the main source of communication and transportation to the outside world until the inventions of the railroad and telegraph. Hart Plaza is always a must visit for me whenever I visit the city of Detroit for mostly the Detroit Free Press Marathon. I always anticipate finishing up at Huntington Place for the expo, just so I can tour the area and visit the Monument to Joe Louis, and Spirit of Detroit. Along with viewing this statue, you can also get a glimpse of Canada from a far the closer you get towards the riverfront. Other sights within Hart Plaza are the Detroit Princess, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, and the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. During my visits, I always park at Huntington Place, being that it is where the expo is located for the Detroit Marathon. It is an affordable parking option in my opinion with no hourly limit. However, if you have interest in other parking options, there are plenty in the area which may also be cheaper than Huntington Place. If you happen to be in the area of Hart Plaza while visiting the city of Detroit, I recommend looking out for Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac Statue. ~Blessings~ Thomas G

This marker is mounted on the wall of the building at the corner of State and Washington. It points…read moreout the history of a defunct newspaper. The marker reads, "The office of the Plaindealer, Detroit's first successful black newspaper, was located on this site. Founded in 1883 by five young men, it served as an advocate of black interests in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. Especially concerned with developing racial pride, the paper preferred the designation Afro-American rather than Negro, and encouraged the support of black businessmen and politicans. Its managing editor, Robert Pelham Jr., was perhaps the best-known black political figure in late nineteenth-century Detroit. In 1889 he helped organize the Afro-American League, the first nationally prominent civil rights group. Later he held the position of census clerk with the federal government. The Plaindealer, however, failed to receive sufficient financial support in the community, and ceased publication in 1894." This is marker number S0451 and it was erected in 1975 by the Michigan History Division, Department of State. There is metered parking nearby. [Review 982 of 2025 - 462 in Michigan - 24536 overall]