A gigantic map of all the cool plaques in the world. A project of 99% Invisible.

Juniata House

In 1851, Patrick McGlone (1810-1884) settled near here. Later, he built a one-story building that he named “Juniata House” where he provided lodging and food for travelers, as well as “good Barns”...

In 1851, Patrick McGlone (1810-1884) settled near here. Later, he built a one-story building that he named “Juniata House” where he provided lodging and food for travelers, as well as “good...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Norrie Park

This recreational area was named in honor of A. Lanfear Norrie, who in 1882 began to explore for iron ore on the Gogebic Range. His discovery resulted in the opening of the Norrie Mine in...

This recreational area was named in honor of A. Lanfear Norrie, who in 1882 began to explore for iron ore on the Gogebic Range. His discovery resulted in the opening of the Norrie Mine...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Saginaw Bay

This bay derives its name from the Sauk Indians who once dwelt by its shores. Adrien Jolliet, on his voyage down Lake Huron’s western shore in 1669, first made it known to the white man. In the...

This bay derives its name from the Sauk Indians who once dwelt by its shores. Adrien Jolliet, on his voyage down Lake Huron’s western shore in 1669, first made it known to the white man. In...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

The Great Storm of 1913

Sudden tragedy struck the Great Lakes on November 9, 1913, when a storm, whose equal veteran sailors could not recall, left in its wake death and destruction. The grim toll was 235 seamen drowned,...

Sudden tragedy struck the Great Lakes on November 9, 1913, when a storm, whose equal veteran sailors could not recall, left in its wake death and destruction. The grim toll was 235 seamen...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Plainfield Methodist Church

The Plainfield Methodist Protestant Church formally organized on June 7, 1863. The present church building, dedicated on January 27, 1907, replaced the first church, built in 1868, which burned...

The Plainfield Methodist Protestant Church formally organized on June 7, 1863. The present church building, dedicated on January 27, 1907, replaced the first church, built in 1868, which burned...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

West Michigan Summer Resorts / Jewish Resorts

After the American Civil War (1861-1865) a new wealthy class arose with the time and means to escape the grime of industrialized cities for the summer “Season.” In the 1870s the Little Traverse...

After the American Civil War (1861-1865) a new wealthy class arose with the time and means to escape the grime of industrialized cities for the summer “Season.” In the 1870s the Little...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Inland Waterway

The glaciers of the last Ice Age retreated to the north some twenty-five thousand years ago, leaving behind the lakes that rank as Michigan’s most notable geographical feature. Among the state’s...

The glaciers of the last Ice Age retreated to the north some twenty-five thousand years ago, leaving behind the lakes that rank as Michigan’s most notable geographical feature. Among the...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

First Presbyterian Church

This church was organized in 1829, one of the oldest Presbyterian groups in the state. The sanctuary, completed in 1849, is largely the work of the Reverend John Monteith, who preached here...

This church was organized in 1829, one of the oldest Presbyterian groups in the state. The sanctuary, completed in 1849, is largely the work of the Reverend John Monteith, who preached...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Erwin Central School

In 1909 the newly formed Erwin Township School District built this one-room schoolhouse. The school served the area’s Finnish-born mining, logging, and farming families. The township bought the...

In 1909 the newly formed Erwin Township School District built this one-room schoolhouse. The school served the area’s Finnish-born mining, logging, and farming families. The township bought the...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Stockton House / Thomas Stockton

The November 9, 1872, edition of the Flint Wolverine Citizen newspaper reported the near completion of this house for retired army colonel Thomas Stockton and his wife, Maria. The newspaper called...

The November 9, 1872, edition of the Flint Wolverine Citizen newspaper reported the near completion of this house for retired army colonel Thomas Stockton and his wife, Maria. The newspaper called...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

This Tree Dedicated to the Memory of the Grand Army of the Republic

THIS TREE DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC BY LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN RELIEF CORP NO 35APRIL 6, 1924

THIS TREE DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC BY LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN RELIEF CORP NO 35APRIL 6, 1924

  • berkeley
  • grand army o...
  • 1924
  • civil war

Le Cote' Du Nord-Est

After founding Detroit in 1701 the Sieur de Cadillac divided the land northeast of Fort Pontchartrain into long, narrow “ribbon” farms each fronting on the river. The first settlers, thus, had...

After founding Detroit in 1701 the Sieur de Cadillac divided the land northeast of Fort Pontchartrain into long, narrow “ribbon” farms each fronting on the river. The first settlers, thus, had...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Alpena County Courthouse

“Alpena has blazed a new trail in construction,” architect William H. Kuni of Detroit declared at the opening of the Alpena County Courthouse on October 21, 1935. Calling it “the first monolithic...

“Alpena has blazed a new trail in construction,” architect William H. Kuni of Detroit declared at the opening of the Alpena County Courthouse on October 21, 1935. Calling it “the first...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Paddock-Hubbard House / Paddock- Hubbard House

In 1843 New York natives Alfred and Ruth Paddock migrated to Concord Township. Within two years they erected this Greek Revival house, reminiscent of those in their home state. A prominent...

In 1843 New York natives Alfred and Ruth Paddock migrated to Concord Township. Within two years they erected this Greek Revival house, reminiscent of those in their home state. A...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Holy Childhood of Jesus School

This Indian school was founded in 1829 by Father Pierre Déjean, who came here with two teachers, Miss Elizabeth Williams and Joseph L’Etorneau. The Indians built a church and the first school...

This Indian school was founded in 1829 by Father Pierre Déjean, who came here with two teachers, Miss Elizabeth Williams and Joseph L’Etorneau. The Indians built a church and the first...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Anna Howard Shaw / Anna Howard Shaw

As a child in 1859, suffragist Anna Howard Shaw (1847-1919) moved with her family from Massachusetts to Mecosta County. Her father soon returned east with two of his sons, leaving behind his wife...

As a child in 1859, suffragist Anna Howard Shaw (1847-1919) moved with her family from Massachusetts to Mecosta County. Her father soon returned east with two of his sons, leaving behind his wife...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Old Wayne Village Hall

Since 1878 the Old Wayne Village Hall has served as the center of civic affairs in Wayne. It is one of the few surviving Second Empire-style buildings in Wayne County. The first meeting of the...

Since 1878 the Old Wayne Village Hall has served as the center of civic affairs in Wayne. It is one of the few surviving Second Empire-style buildings in Wayne County. The first meeting of the...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Wixom Cemetery

The Wixom Cemetery has been in continuous use since 1838, when it was established as the South Commerce Burial Ground. The first burial, however, that of an infant named Israel Barrett, occurred...

The Wixom Cemetery has been in continuous use since 1838, when it was established as the South Commerce Burial Ground. The first burial, however, that of an infant named Israel Barrett,...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Larke Road

Until 1962 Three Mile (Larke) Road was known simply as Larke Road. In 1876 Henry Larke (1824-1900) became the first settler along this road, making his home about one and one-half miles west of...

Until 1962 Three Mile (Larke) Road was known simply as Larke Road. In 1876 Henry Larke (1824-1900) became the first settler along this road, making his home about one and one-half miles west of...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...

Northern Michigan University

Established by the legislature in 1899 as a normal school to provide teachers for the Upper Peninsula, Northern opened with thirty-two students, six faculty members, and Dwight B. Waldo as...

Established by the legislature in 1899 as a normal school to provide teachers for the Upper Peninsula, Northern opened with thirty-two students, six faculty members, and Dwight B. Waldo as...

  • michigan
  • michigan his...