Michigan Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Grosse Ile, Michigan

Population: 10,500

Located in Wayne County

Island Festivals & Events

Azalea Festival, the third weekend in May, an annual Island tradition featuring a parade, crafts, entertainment, art shows and a gorgeous display of azaleas at Westcroft Gardens.

Grosse Ile Garden Club's Hometour 1994 in September every other year, an opportunity to tour five beautiful island homes.

Boar's Head Festival, December 1994. Performed at four-year intervals, this ecumenical extravaganza features a cast of hundreds from all island churches.

You are cordially invited to come and visit our idyllic isle. Its scenic roads and bike paths winding past historic homes and large estates are ideal for biking and jogging. The excellent schools and friendly residents provide the perfect location in which to raise a family.

A Brief History of Grosse Ile

Grosse Ile is a unique little island, rich in history and proud of its colorful past. Cadillac is said to have considered Grosse Ile before building Fort Ponchartrain in Detroit. Originally the home of the Potowatami Indians, who called Kitche Minishen, the island was purchased by the Macomb brothers just two days after the Declaration of Independence was signed, July 6, 1776. The original deed, signed by the Indian chiefs, is in the Burton collection at the Detroit Public Library.

Early settlers were farmers with French-style ribbon farms stretching across the island. Historical markers show the location of an early fort, the Macomb mansion is a horse powered gristmill. Three flags have flown over Grosse Ile. – French, British and American.

By 1810, 50 persons lived on the island. Fifty years later the population had reached 364. Principal industries included farming, fishing and quarry stone. A ferry connected Grosse Ile with Trenton.

St. James Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1868. It was followed in 1869 by St. Anne's Church, later known as Sacred Heart. After the Civil War, Grosse Ile became quite popular as a summer resort for Detroit families. Railroad service via the Canada Southern was established in 1873 down what is now Parkway and over to Stony Island by bridge. Railway cars were then barged to Canada.

Progress and growth was evident during the 1890's with the installation of the first telephone and building of the first private club, the Casino. The Grosse Ile Lighthouse was established and Macomb Street began to develop as the local business district. The Toll Bridge opened in 1913 and is still owned by the same family. During Prohibition, Grosse Ile was a center for bootleggers- a particularly colorful period of history. The 1920's saw the first policeman hired, Meridian Road paved, and railroad passenger service discontinued. The population was 802.

In 1929 the U.S. Naval Air Station opened as a training school, seaplane base and dirigible hangar. The base operated until 1967, when it was closed and turned over to the Township for its present airport. The Wayne County Bridge opened for auto traffic, built on the former railroad right of way, in 1931. The population topped 1500 and Prohibition – and bootlegging – ended.

During the 1940's war years, The Navy Base enlarged, the volunteer fire department was established and 225 islanders served their country in the armed forces. The 50's saw the Youth Center opened, the Historical Society organized and both the Presbyterian and Baptist congregations formed. With the 60's came the establishment of most of the school buildings, township hall, services and businesses currently found on Grosse Ile.

Today with a population of 10,000 it has come a long way since the vision of William Macomb, but some things remain unchanged. This is still a uniquely beautiful little island, much beloved by its inhabitants. Indeed, some say it's more than just a place – it's a state of mind.