Donavon F. Smith

Historical marker location:

Niles, Michigan

( Marker is at the intersection of E. Main Street (State Highway 51) and S. 12th Street, on the right when traveling east on E. Main Street.)

Lieutenant General USAF. 1922 - 1974.

Michigan played a key role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Detroit was an important hub for the movement, and Michigan was the first state in the Northwest Territory to outlaw slavery in 1837.