Campus Martius, the point of origin for Detroit, is the Eastern Terminus of US12/Michigan Avenue, a state heritage route and is just north of M1/Woodward Avenue's (Scenic Byway) Southern Terminus.
History of Campus Martius (
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In 1788, Campus Martius served as a drill ground for militia training. Campus Martius means “military ground” and was named after the Campus Martius at Marietta, Ohio, a 180-foot stockade.
After the fire of 1805, Judge Woodward was appointed to oversee the plan to lay out the streets, squares and lots with the assistance of the best surveyors from Canada. They placed their instruments and astronomical devices on the summit of a huge stone. He viewed the planets and meteors in order to determine “true North”. Today we still call this point the “Point of Origin” which is located in center of Campus Martius at the junction of Woodward and Monroe. It is from this point that the City of Detroit’s Coordinate system was created.
Campus Martius at that time was very low and marshy. It was very undesirable for building and the land was considered of little value. In 1847, the common council raised it considerably by filling it with 100 yards of earth.
In 1861 colors were presented to the First Michigan Regiment at Campus Martius before heading off to Civil War duty.
CURRENT CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK HISTORY
Former Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer set the goal of creating Campus Martius Park as the best public space in the world. Detroit 300 adopted Campus Martius Park as part of its Legacy Project in September 1999. Detroit 300 and Mayor Archer established a Campus Martius Park Task Force to establish the vision, plan and design. The Task Force included 19 members with key stakeholders from Compuware, Kern Woodward Associates, Bank One and other building owners and representatives from the City Council, Parks and Recreation Department, the Greater Downtown Partnership, Detroit Downtown Development Authority, and Detroit 300.
Six nationally recognized design firms were solicited to design the Park through a RFQ and RFP process. Rundell Ernstberger Associates was the unanimous choice of the Task Force and was subsequently approved by both Mayor Archer and Detroit 300 in May 2000.
Mayor Archer presented the Park plan to the public on March 16, 2001.
In August and September, 2003, the Kilpatrick Administration and the City Council approved the Park Construction and Operating Agreements with Detroit 300 Conservancy. The construction of the Park was completed for the Park's Grand Opening on November 19, 2004.
Construction began in May of 2003 and was completed in November 2004.
Campus Martius is also the location of many waymarks in various categories:
Point of Origin, Detroit, Michigan
posted by: WrightStuff
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Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument - Detroit, MI
posted by: S5280ft
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The Iron Brigade - Detroit, MI
posted by: Team Farkle 7
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Campus Martius Park, Detroit, MI (Time Capsule)
posted by: WrightStuff
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And a few more too!