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The
Michigan Road was probably the most important transportation route in the
fledgling State of Indiana. Being the first road commissioned by the Indiana
State Legislature in 1826; the road became a key thoroughfare in opening the
state to settlement. It connected Madison on the Ohio River to Michigan City on
Lake Michigan via Indianapolis, the new state capital. It was used by the
pioneer, as a path to freedom by the runaway slave, and as the trail
down which the Native American was removed from their lands.
Much of the road and its architecture still exist from those early days. We believe it is time to celebrate this important part of our Hoosier heritage. Let the road tell the history of our State through its geography, its people, and its architecture. Through our forests, small towns, cities and farms this one road has the ability to showcase what it means to be a Hoosier and how our state was built.
The Michigan Road still exists, and you can drive it end to end today.
What was once a dirt path through the woods is now a series of county, state,
and US highways.
Please join us in working to name the Michigan Road an
Indiana Historic Byway!
Click here for more information.
The
Michigan Road winds its way through fifteen counties and more than two dozen
communities. It connects the north with the south and touches all of the
topography we recognize as home in Indiana. What better way to prepare for our
State’s bicentennial than to commemorate this historic road?
Counties through which the Michigan Road passes: LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, Fulton, Cass, Carroll, Clinton, Boone, Hamilton, Marion, Shelby, Rush, Decatur, Ripley, and Jefferson.
Cities & towns through which the Michigan Road passes: Michigan City, New Carlisle, South Bend, Lakeville, LaPaz, Plymouth, Argos, Rochester, Fulton, Metea, Logansport, Burlington, Michigantown, Kirklin, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Greensburg, Napoleon, New Marion, and Madison.