Niles Markers

Niles, Michigan markers

Back of postcard reads: "Why Niles, Michigan is called 'The Four Flags City'

Over the present area of this city the flags of four nations were unfurled as they, in turn, took ossession of this territory. In 1697, the fleur-de-lis of France, in 1761 the cross of St. George of Great Britain, in 1781 the Spanish colors and in 1783 the flag of the United States."

Back of postcard reads: "Donovan Smith Memorial Park, Niles Michigan, the "Four Flags City", Gateway to Michigan

South on US 33 is a welcome sign and raised flower bed. American, British, Spanish and French flags represent countries once ruling the territory. A 1986 Award-winning Gift of The Niles Garden Club, businesses and citizens of Niles."

Fort St. Joseph

Back of postcard reads: "The French fort built here in 1691 controlled southern Michigan's principal Indian trade routes. Missionaries and fur traders were here already. The fort became a British outpost in 1761. Two years later it was one of the forts seized by Indians during the uprising of Chief Pontiac. Still later, traders made it their headquarters. In 1781 Spanish raiders ran up the flag of Spain at the fort for a few hours."

Father Allouez

Back of postcard reads: "French Missionary Burial Place

Bond Street, Niles, Michigan

Father Jean Claude Allouez established the first mission (about 1670) in this vicinity. He is said to have instructed over 100,000 Indians, and to have baptized over 10,000. No French missionary bore a greater part in work among the Indian tribes and was more loved and respected. This cross marks his burial place on the bluff overlooking the St. Joseph River and Fort St. Joseph."

Back of postcard reads: "Marker showing burial place of Father Claude Jean Allouez, S. J. who was amon the first of the Jesuit Missionaries who explored the St. Lawrence Waterway and founded settlements along the St. Joseph River- at the original site of Niles, Mich."