This historic map comes from the writings of none other than Clarence Burton himself in a volume titled: “Detroit in earlier days : a few notes on some of the old buildings in the city” focused on four specific parcels of land in the city surrounding Campus Martius.

The Campus Martius square used to be the focal point for city government, including Detroit’s original City Hall erected in 1871, an Academy for women’s education (later leased to the University of Michigan for 999 years), and a private railroad depot owned by Edmund A. Brush (later to become the Michigan Central Railroad depot).

Next time you enjoy the Campus Martius beach, think of all the history you are sitting on.