Historical Marker

Ferris Institute

Historical marker location:
410 Oak Street, Big Rapids, Michigan
( Marker is on Oak Street west of Ives Avenue, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1957

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.