Milan Area Historical Society
Milan Area Historical Society
Milan, Michigan
Newsletter Museum Articles
- April-June, 2005 = Historic Fort Wayne
There are people living in southeast Michigan who have no idea that a 19th-century
fort exists within the city limits of Detroit. Are you one of them? Historic Fort Wayne,
a property of the Detroit Historical Society, was built in the 1840s to defend Americans
from British Canadians, but thankfully never saw a shot fired in anger. Instead it became
an induction center for Michigan troops from the time of the Civil War through Vietnam.
Still standing are the original 1848 limestone barracks building, the commanding
officers' house, a Spanish-American War guardhouse, two large parade grounds, several
officers' houses and and support buildings, and a Native Americdan mound that is nearly
1,000 years old. Check it all out during the fort's Spring Festival and Flea Market on
April 9-10 or its History and Trivia Hunt on April 16.
For details, visit
www.detroithistorical.org
- July-September, 2005 = Walker Tavern
From 1836 through 1855--when a stagecoach ride from Detroit to Chicago was a long
and arduous five-day trip--a favorite stopping place to change horses, relax, enjoy a
meal, or spend the night was this farmhouse tavern, located at the intersection of the
Chicago Road (today's U.S. 12) and the Monroe Pike. Today, exhibits and special events
at the Walker Tavern historic site interpret Michigan's frontier settlement and stagecoach
eras during the first half of the 19th century. The museum includes an 1840s parlor, bar
room, dining room, and kitchen. The Visitor Center and reproduction bar offer exhibits
on topics related to the people who traveled these historic crossroads. For information
about upcoming events,
call 517-467-4401 or visit
www.michigan.gov/hal
- October-November 2005 = MotorCities National Heritage Area
This quarter's Museums to Meander focuses on a segment of our state that's devoted to
automotive history--the MotorCities National Heritage Area. In this heritage area,
you can ride in a Model T and tour working auto plants. Visit neighborhoods and
historic homes where auto pioneers lived, worked, and dreamed. See the historic
birthplace of the auto industry's labor unions. And catch a race at one of the many
local speedways or refv up for the nation's largest classic car cruise.
For more information, see the MotorCities website located at
www.ExperienceEverythingAutomotive.org
Last Changed on September 22, 2005.