Streets In Downtown Detroit

Source

DETROIT IN 1827 AND LATER ON. By General Friend Palmer:

Randolph street was then a busy street from Jefferson avenue to the river, on it at the corner of Woodbridge street was situated Woodworth’s Steamboat hotel, the most celebrated hostelry west of Buffalo. It was at this hotel, that all the stage lines centered, and it was here that all the gay balls and social functions were given. On this street was the Berthlet market, besides it was fully occupied by traders of all classes. Woodbridge street from the hotel down to Bates street was a fashionable quarter, containing the residences of General John R. Williams, Doctor Marshal Chapin, Thomas Rowland, Knowles Hall, Mr. Sanderson (father of Mrs. George W. Bissell), etc. On one corner of Jefferson avenue (southeast) was the Governor Hull (now Biddle) house, and on the other the Council house (where is now the water offices). On the opposite corner was the Kearsley residence (still standing), and on the other corner was the Judge Solomon Sibley house and grounds. In the same block with the Hull house were the residences of E.A. Brush and Major John Biddle. So it can readily be seen that, in and around this locality, ebbed and throbbed the life of the city, and it might with truth, be said, that of the Territory of Michigan, as well.