An Gorta Mor - Roadside Atrraction - Michigan, USA.
N 42° 03.421 W 084° 10.014
16T E 734430 N 4659990
"An Gorta Mor" The Great Famine of Ireland caused massive migration mostly to America in 1845 - 1850. This monument memorialized the people who were forced to migrate. Located at the Irish Hills, Historic Michigan Avenue, US-12 Heritage Trail.
Waymark Code: WMHBVD
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 06/21/2013
Views: 5
"While two short segments of US-12 has been previously designated as Historic Heritage Routes, in Saline and Clinton & Clinton Township, on June 9, 2004 the entire length of US-12 from New Buffalo on the Lake Michigan shore to the eastern terminus of US-12 in downtown Detroit was designated as a Historic Heritage Route in its entirety. And while most of the other Heritage Routes in Michigan have been designated with a descriptive name, this route continues to be known as just the US-12 Heritage Trail." Text Source: (
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This area is known as the Irish Hills, due to the high volume of Irish migrants in the area, and the scenery reminded them of the lakes and green rolling hills of Ireland.
The memorial also known as 'The Great Hunger Memorial' sculpted by Kenneth M Thompson. Dedicated on 19th September 2004.
The Monument sits alongside the US.12 / Michigan Ave.
"The Ancient Order of Hibernian's 'An Gorta Mor' Memorial is located on the grounds of St. Joseph's Shrine in the Irish Hills district of Lenawee County, Michigan. There are thirty-two black stones as the platform, one for each Irish County. The grounds are surrounded with a stone wall. The Lintel is a step from Penrose Quay in Cork Harbour. The project was the result of several years of fundraising by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lenawee County. It was dedicated in 2004 by AOH Divisional President, Patrick Maguire, and many political and Irish figures from around the state of Michigan." Text Source: (
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"The Irish Hills is an area of land located roughly in south-eastern Jackson County and north-west Lenawee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Its name comes from the Irish immigrants who settled there from 1845-1850. It is renowned throughout the state for its beautiful scenery, especially in the summer, with its many rolling hills and lakes" Text Source: (
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There is an existing waymark of interest a few miles along this Michigan Ave that may be of interest. (
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