Photo Journal: Marshall, Michigan

Located in south-central Michigan, Marshall is home to the state’s largest National Historic Landmark District. This town of 7,500 residents has more than 850 buildings in the National Historic Landmark District. In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included Marshall on its annual list of Distinctive Destinations.

My sister lives in Marshall and through the years, I’ve seen Marshall in every season. This year, we visited during the holidays when downtown streets, lamp posts and trees are decorated beautifully. Historic downtown Marshall offers visitors several blocks of locally-owned shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.

This 100-year old restaurant was and is a favorite stop from Detroit to Chicago. For generations Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub has been a destination for special events. The crock of bar cheese and chips from Schuler’s were considered a great treat during my childhood. Today, you can buy them at the grocery store and I always bring some home from each visit to Marshall.

Another historic restaurant is a great place for casual dining. The Stage Coach Inn was built in 1838 along the trails from Detroit to Chicago.

Historic sites and museums showcase local history and include everything from the G.A.R. Hall Civil War Museum to the American Museum of Magic.

Fountain Circle at the edge of Marshall’s historic downtown features the newly restored Brooks Fountain. During the holidays, figures outline the circle including this Santa Claus and reindeer. A few years ago, I watched the annual Christmas parade from this circle. The parade is held the Monday following Thanksgiving and includes more than a 100 groups marching. In the summer, the July 4th children’s and pet parade is followed by a chicken bbq and concert at Fountain Circle.

State Senator James Wright Gordon built this home in 1839 with the hopes it would become the Governor’s Mansion. The same year, he introduced a bill to make his hometown the state’s capital. His dreams were not fulfilled and the capital was assigned to Lansing.

Abner Pratt settled in Marshall in 1839. In the 1850s, he was the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. From 1857-59 he was appointed United States Consul to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Upon his return to Marshall in 1860, he built this home, known as Honolulu House, to recreate the island atmosphere.

A few additional places to visit in Marshall:

American Museum of Magic

G.A.R. Hall Civil War Museum

U.S. Postal Museum

Mary Billingsley is director of media relations for Gozaic.com

Photos by Mary Billingsley