List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Calhoun County facts for kids

Location of Calhoun County in Michigan

Welcome to Calhoun County, Michigan! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories about the past. These special spots are called Michigan State Historic Sites. They are recognized because they are important parts of Michigan's history. Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the whole country!

Exploring Calhoun County's Historic Sites
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Exploring Calhoun County's Historic Sites

Historic Buildings and Homes

Many historic sites in Calhoun County are old buildings and homes. They show us how people lived and worked long ago.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

The African Methodist Episcopal Church in Battle Creek is a historic church located at 364 West Van Buren Street. It was listed as a historic site on November 21, 1991. Churches like this often played a big role in their communities.

African Methodist Episcopal Church in Battle Creek

Albion College Astronomical Observatory

The Albion College Astronomical Observatory is on the Albion College campus in Albion. This observatory, where people study stars and planets, became a historic site on January 25, 1985.

Albion College Observatory

American Museum of Magic

If you love magic, you'd be interested in the American Museum of Magic at 107 E. Michigan Avenue in Marshall. It was recognized as a historic place on August 23, 1985. It's a fun place to learn about the history of magic!

American Museum of Magic

Battle Creek City Hall

The Battle Creek City Hall is an important building where city leaders work. It's located at 13 N. Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek and was listed on August 12, 1983.

Battle Creek City Hall

Battle Creek Post Office

The old Battle Creek Post Office at 67 East Michigan Avenue was where people sent and received mail for many years. It became a historic site on May 17, 1973.

Battle Creek Post Office

Battle Creek Sanitarium

The Battle Creek Sanitarium at 74 North Washington Avenue was a famous health resort. People came from all over to get well here. It was listed on September 7, 1989.

The Battle Creek Federal Center, once the Battle Creek Sanitarium

Capitol Hill School

The Capitol Hill School in Marshall, at 603 Washington Street, was an important place for learning. It was recognized as a historic site on April 23, 1971.

Capitol Hill School in Marshall

Honolulu House

The Abner Pratt House/Honolulu House at 107 North Kalamazoo Street in Marshall is a very unique building. It was built by a former U.S. Consul to Hawaii, which is why it looks like a house from Hawaii! It became a historic site on February 17, 1965.

The Honolulu House in Marshall

Governor's Mansion

The Governor's Mansion at 621 South Marshall Avenue in Marshall was once planned to be the home for Michigan's governor. It was listed as a historic site on February 11, 1972.

The Governor's Mansion in Marshall

Joy House

The Joy House at 224 North Kalamazoo Avenue in Marshall is another beautiful historic home. It was listed on August 13, 1971.

Joy House in Marshall

Penniman Castle

The Penniman Castle at 443 Main Street in Battle Creek looks like a castle! It was listed as a historic site on July 15, 1999.

Penniman Castle in Battle Creek

Important People and Events

Some historic sites mark places where important people lived or where big events happened.

Birthplace of "The Old Rugged Cross"

The informational designation at 1101 East Michigan Avenue in Albion marks the birthplace of the famous hymn "The Old Rugged Cross". This site was recognized on May 1, 1959.

Sign marking the birthplace of "The Old Rugged Cross"

Crosswhite Fugitive Slave Case

An informational marker at East Michigan Avenue and East Mansion Street in Marshall tells the story of the Crosswhite Fugitive Slave Case. This was an important event in the fight against slavery. It was listed on February 18, 1956.

Del Shannon "Runaway" Informational Site

At 45 Capital Ave., S.W. in Battle Creek, there's a site dedicated to Del Shannon and his hit song "Runaway". This spot was recognized on June 21, 1990.

Del Shannon

James and Ellen G. White Grave Site

The grave site of James and Ellen G. White is in Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek. They were important founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their grave site was listed on July 23, 1985.

James White Gravesite

John D. Pierce Homesite

The John D. Pierce Homesite at 314 West Mansion in Marshall was the home of John D. Pierce, who helped plan Michigan's public school system. It became a historic site on February 21, 1975.

Pierce-Slater House, John D. Pierce Homesite

Mary Bryant Mayo Birthplace

The birthplace of Mary Bryant Mayo is at 12557 L. Drive North in Battle Creek. She was an important figure in the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's right to vote. This site was listed on April 4, 1978.

Mary Mayo House

Industry and Community Life

These sites show us how people worked and how communities grew.

Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company

The Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company informational site at 235 Porter Street in Battle Creek tells the story of how Battle Creek became famous for cereal. It was listed on May 13, 1981.

Cereal Bowl of America, related to the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company

Breakfast Food Industry

An informational marker at Bailey Park in Battle Creek, at NE Capital Avenue at M-78, celebrates the city's role in the breakfast food industry. It was recognized on January 19, 1957.

Calhoun County Fair

The Calhoun County Fair grounds, located between Fair St. and Washington Ave in Marshall, have been a place for fun and community gatherings for many years. It was listed on February 11, 1972.

Calhoun County Fair

Fort Custer

Fort Custer on Dickman Road in Battle Creek has a long military history. It was listed as a historic site on September 17, 1957.

Fort Custer Training Center

Postum Cereal Company / Factory

The Postum Cereal Company / Factory informational designation at 245 Cliff Street in Battle Creek marks another important place in the history of cereal production. It was listed in 2003.

Postum Cereal Company Factory

Railroad Union Birthplace

The informational designation at 633 West Hanover in Battle Creek marks the birthplace of a railroad union. This site was recognized on August 23, 1974, highlighting the importance of workers' rights.

Railroad Union Birthplace

Starr Commonwealth for Boys

Starr Commonwealth for Boys at 26 Mile Road in Sheridan Township is a place that has helped many young people over the years. It was listed as a historic site on July 17, 1981.

Starr Commonwealth for Boys

Cemeteries and Other Sites

Cemeteries are often historic sites because they hold the stories of early settlers and important figures.

Beckley Cemetery

Beckley Cemetery at Helmer and Beckley roads in Battle Creek is a historic burial ground. It was listed on September 29, 1972.

Beckley Cemetery

Marengo Pioneer Cemetery

The Marengo Pioneer Cemetery on West Michigan Avenue at 21 Mile Road in Marengo Township is another historic cemetery, recognized on May 1, 1959.

Marengo Memorial Cemetery

Oakridge Cemetery

Oakridge Cemetery at 614 Dibble Street in Marshall is a historic cemetery that was listed on June 30, 1988.

Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall

Sites No Longer Standing

Some historic sites are no longer standing, but their history is still remembered.

Bedford Mill

The Bedford Mill at 23178 North Bedford Road in Bedford Township was a historic mill listed on June 2, 1966. Sadly, it was destroyed by arson on July 8, 2014.

Cobblestone School

The Cobblestone School in Pennfield Township, at North Drive West and 11 Mile Road, was a historic school building. It was listed on August 13, 1971, but has since been torn down.

Cobblestone School (demolished)

Elks Temple

The Elks Temple at 14 North McCamly Street in Battle Creek was a historic building listed on November 16, 1981. It was demolished in 1987.

Union Manufacturing Company

The Union Manufacturing Company at 87 Capital Avenue, SW, in Battle Creek was a historic industrial site listed on March 28, 1985. It has since been demolished.

Veterans Hospital No. 100, Camp Custer

Veterans Hospital No. 100, Camp Custer at 5500 Armstrong Rd in Battle Creek was a historic hospital for veterans. It was listed on December 20, 1989, but this building has also been demolished.