National Register Listing

Great Lakes Manor

a.k.a. Kirby Manor Apartments

457 East Kirby St., Detroit, MI
Local significance of the building:
Black; Social History; Ethnic Heritage

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

ethnic heritage black social history
The first European settlement in Michigan was founded by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701. He established the settlement of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit (later known as Detroit), which became an important trading post and military stronghold for the French and later the British.
Michigan random facts
Wayne County, Michigan has a rich historical background that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region. The area was later explored by French settlers in the 17th century, with Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founding the City of Detroit in 1701. The region remained under French control until it was ceded to the British Empire in 1763. Wayne County was established in 1796 and was named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Wayne County experienced rapid growth and development, largely driven by the manufacturing industry. Detroit, the county seat, became known as the "Motor City" due to the rise of the automobile industry. The city became a hub for automotive manufacturing and attracted industrialists such as Henry Ford, who revolutionized the production process with the assembly line.

Wayne County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the 1960s. The city of Detroit witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations advocating for racial equality and an end to discrimination. The infamous 1967 Detroit Riots, sparked by racial tensions and socioeconomic issues, resulted in widespread civil unrest and significant damage to the city.

In recent years, Wayne County has faced challenges related to economic decline and urban decay. The region has made efforts to revitalize urban areas, attract investment, and diversify its economy. Today, Wayne County remains a prominent part of Michigan's economy, driven by industries such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The county is also home to various cultural attractions and institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Henry Ford Museum.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wayne County, Michigan.

  • 1796 - Wayne County is established as part of the Northwest Territory
  • 1805 - Detroit, the county seat, is incorporated as a town
  • 1815 - The War of 1812 ends, and Wayne County experiences rapid growth
  • 1827 - Wayne County's boundaries are redefined
  • 1854 - Detroit is incorporated as a city
  • 1861-1865 - Wayne County residents contribute to the Union effort during the Civil War
  • 1920s - Wayne County's population booms due to industrialization and the growth of the automotive industry
  • 1930s - Wayne County suffers from the Great Depression, but the automotive industry eventually recovers
  • 1940s-1950s - Wayne County experiences post-war economic growth and suburbanization
  • 1967 - The Detroit riot leads to civil unrest and significant changes in the city
  • 1973 - Construction of the Renaissance Center, a major landmark in downtown Detroit, begins
  • 1990s - Wayne County faces economic challenges, including the decline of the automotive industry
  • 2008-2014 - Wayne County suffers from the Great Recession, with high unemployment rates and a housing crisis