Fort Pontchartrain
Inscription
The first permanent French settlement in the Detroit region was built on this site in 1701. The location was recommended by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who wished to move the fur trade center south from Michilimackinac. Cadillac’s plan was approved by Count Jérôme de Pontchartrain, minister of marine, for whom the fort was named.
The term le détroit (the strait) was applied to the fort and surrounding area; after 1751 the post was known as Fort Detroit. In 1760, as a result of the French and Indian War, the British gained control of Detroit and other posts in the Great Lakes region. British troops enlarged Fort Detroit, but during the American Revolution they moved to nearby Fort Lernoult, built 1778-79.
The Americans occupied Fort Lernoult in 1796 and in 1813 renamed it Fort Shelby.
Location
Sources
More markers in Wayne
David Dunbar Buick
Detroit, MI
David Dunbar Buick, for whom the Buick automobile is named, came to Detroit from Scotland with his parents in 1856 at age two.
The Landing of Cadillac
Detroit, MI
After departing Montreal June 5, 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and his convoy of twenty-five canoes sailed down this river, and on...
Henry Ford Birthplace
Dearborn, MI
At this intersection stood the home in which Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863.
Johnson's Tavern
Wayne, MI
In 1824 George M. Johnson purchased eight acres of land from the government and erected a log tavern at this location, a day’s journey...
First Jewish Religious Services
Detroit, MI
Near this site in 1850, a small group of German-Jewish immigrants gathered at the home of Isaac and Sarah Cozens and formed the Beth El...