Sturgis Prairie

Historical marker location:

Sturgis, Michigan

( Marker is at the intersection of E. Chicago Road (U.S. 12) and Pioneer Avenue, on the right when traveling east on E. Chicago Road.)

Marker installed: 1915

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.