Base of Operations

Historical marker location:

49965 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Charter Township, Michigan

( Marker is at the intersection of North Proving Grounds Boulevard and Van Dyke Avenue when traveling west on North Proving Grounds Boulevard.)

The Lodge at the Proving Grounds.

Michigan was the birthplace of the American automobile industry. In the early 20th century, automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler established headquarters and factories in Michigan, leading to a boom in the state's economy and population. Detroit became known as the "Motor City" and a symbol of American industrial power.