Territorial Road was the first important road in Michigan, connecting Detroit to Chicago. During the 1800s, it helped people travel from the Eastern United States through the Michigan Territory. It was also known as the Chicago Road.

Route

This road begins at Michigan Avenue (now called US Highway 12) in downtown Detroit. It often runs next to the current Interstate 94. The 200-mile (320 km) route connects Detroit to Ann Arbor, Albion, Marshall, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, and Benton Harbor. In some places, such as Calhoun County, the road is still called Territorial Road.

Background

Michigan's main highways were built along trails that Native Americans used for many years to travel between their villages and places where they hunted and fished. Native Americans are thought to have lived in Michigan since 11,000 BC. These trails were narrow, measuring about 12 to 18 inches (300 to 460 mm) wide, and were located on high, dry ground near streams and areas where water flows. Native Americans used dog sleds to carry goods, a practice that continued during Michigan's territorial period when dogs pulled sleds loaded with mail and supplies.

These trails were also used by fur traders, explorers, and missionaries to travel into new areas. Over time, the roads were widened and improved to allow pack horses and settlers to travel. At first, branches and bushes were removed, making the trails two to three feet wide to give space for pack horses. Later, the trails were made even wider to accommodate wagons pulled by oxen. Federal funds were allocated to improve the roads, which included cutting down trees and filling in wet, low areas. Traveling by wagon was slow, especially after deep ruts formed in the road. Eventually, roads were covered with gravel and later became paved.

History

The St. Joseph Indian Trail linked the Great Trail, which stretched from Chesapeake Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard to the Mississippi River and the Plains States to the west. The Great Trail also connected to trails in Michigan, from Toledo to Detroit and up to Lake Huron. In 1829, Michigan Territory's legislative council decided to survey land for a route that would cross the territory from east to west, following the St. Joseph Indian Trail. The road started at Sheldon Inn, located at the corner of what is now Michigan Avenue and Geddes Road (named after Washtenaw County settlers Robert and John Geddes), and ended at the mouth of the St. Joseph River at Lake Michigan. It was first named the St. Joseph Road.

Construction of the road began in 1830, as settlers in eastern Michigan started using it. The survey was completed by 1831. Father Gabriel Richard, who served as a delegate to the United States Congress from 1823 to 1825, helped support the road's development. This road would help settlers move into the state and allow travel between Chicago and Detroit. The federal government provided $20,000 (equivalent to $669,000 in 2024) to improve the road so it could handle the weight of wagons. The road was built using logs arranged in a special pattern. It was declared a public highway on May 3, 1831, and later became known as the Territorial Road. On May 30, 1834, the road was first used by a stagecoach line. In 1836, it took three days to travel 80 miles (130 km) from Detroit to Jackson. Inns and taverns were built along the road, and it helped establish communities along its path. Between 1830 and 1840, Michigan Territory's population grew by 250%.

The Territorial Road was used by General William Henry Harrison and his troops during the War of 1812 to travel between Indiana and Detroit to attack the British during the Siege of Detroit. During World War I, it was designated a military route called the Red Arrow Highway.

Historical markers

Historical markers were placed from east to west at the following locations:

• Geddes Road, east of where Michigan Avenue crosses Geddes Road in Canton
• Sheldon's Corner, which includes Sheldon Inn, on Michigan Avenue southeast of the intersection of Geddes Road and Michigan Avenue in Canton
• A historical plaque for the Old Territorial Road in Albion, Michigan, placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
• In Jonesville, Michigan, honoring Father Gabriel Richard for helping to secure federal money for the Sauk Trail, a section of the Territorial Road
• The Territorial Road and Dodge Tavern, located on Old US 12 in Paw Paw
• In Keeler, also placed by the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)