Historic Detroit

Ambassador Bridge Under Construction, Detroit (1920s)

During the 1920s, construction of the Ambassador Bridge represented a remarkable engineering achievement and a major investment in Detroit’s future. The bridge was designed to create a direct automobile connection between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, across the Detroit River. Its construction reflected the explosive growth of automobile transportation and the increasingly close economic relationship between Michigan and Canada. Workers assembled the enormous steel structure above the river while ships continued moving through the busy waterway below. Once completed, the Ambassador Bridge became one of the most important international crossings in North America. This historic image captures the bridge taking shape during the 1920s.

Grand River Avenue at Fenkell, Detroit (1938)

Photo from Wayne State University Digital Collections

In 1938, Grand River Avenue at Fenkell was part of Detroit’s rapidly developing west side. The busy intersection connected residential neighborhoods with commercial districts and reflected the growing importance of automobiles in everyday life. Streetcars and motor vehicles shared the roads while businesses served the surrounding communities. Detroit was still recovering from the Great Depression, but its industrial economy was beginning to regain strength. Major roads such as Grand River Avenue would play an increasingly important role in the city’s expansion. This photograph preserves an everyday view of Detroit during the late 1930s.

Michigan Central Station Under Construction, Detroit (1912)

In 1912, Michigan Central Station was nearing completion and was already emerging as one of Detroit’s most ambitious architectural projects. The enormous Beaux-Arts railway terminal was designed to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of passengers traveling through the growing industrial city. Its construction reflected Detroit’s expanding population, manufacturing economy, and importance as a major transportation center. The towering structure would soon dominate the area around Michigan Avenue and become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. For decades, the station served travelers arriving in and departing from Detroit. This historic photograph captures the magnificent building during its construction.

Woodward at State, Detroit (1936)

In 1936, the intersection of Woodward Avenue and State Street was part of the busy heart of downtown Detroit. Automobiles, streetcars, pedestrians, and commercial traffic filled the streets as the city continued recovering from the Great Depression. Woodward remained Detroit’s most prominent north-south boulevard and was surrounded by major businesses, offices, theaters, and historic buildings. The streetscape reflected the transition toward an increasingly automobile-centered city while streetcars remained an important part of public transportation. Detroit was preparing for another period of rapid industrial growth as the decade progressed. This photograph preserves the appearance of Woodward and State during the 1930s.

Rumrunners Loading Their Cars at Riopelle Street, Detroit (1929)

In 1929, Detroit’s location along the Canadian border made the city an important center of Prohibition-era bootlegging activity. Rumrunners transported illegal alcohol across the Detroit River and through surrounding communities, taking advantage of the city’s close proximity to Canada. Cars could be loaded with contraband along waterfront areas such as Riopelle Street before being moved through the city. The illegal liquor trade became a major part of Detroit’s history during Prohibition and contributed to the rise of organized crime. The waterfront was particularly important because of its access to the river and nearby Canadian territory. This photograph captures a dramatic moment from Detroit’s Prohibition-era past.

Detroit Floods Campus Martius to Celebrate the End of World War I, (1918)

In 1918, Detroit residents celebrated the end of World War I with enormous public enthusiasm, with Campus Martius becoming a focal point for celebrations. The city had contributed heavily to the wartime industrial effort, and the end of the conflict brought a tremendous sense of relief and excitement. Crowds gathered downtown as Detroit marked the historic moment alongside communities throughout the country. Campus Martius had long served as one of the city’s principal gathering places for civic events and celebrations. The scene demonstrates the powerful connection between Detroit’s residents and the national events of the era. This historic image preserves a remarkable moment of public celebration in the city.

Detroit Zoo, (1929)
In 1929, the Detroit Zoo was already becoming an important recreational attraction for families in the metropolitan area. Located in Royal Oak, just outside Detroit’s city limits, the zoo offered visitors an opportunity to see exotic animals while enjoying landscaped grounds and outdoor attractions. The facility reflected the growing popularity of public zoos as educational and recreational destinations. Families could spend an entire day exploring the grounds and learning about wildlife. The zoo would continue expanding and evolving over the following decades. This historic photograph captures the Detroit Zoo during the early twentieth century.

Eastown Theater near Van D**e Street and Harper Avenue, Detroit (1930s)

During the 1930s, the Eastown Theater near Van D**e Street and Harper Avenue served as a neighborhood destination for movies and entertainment. Theaters were particularly important during the Great Depression because they offered affordable entertainment and an escape from the economic hardships facing many families. The Eastown became part of the neighborhood’s commercial and social life, attracting residents from surrounding communities. Its architecture and marquee contributed to the distinctive streetscape of the area. Detroit’s neighborhood theaters helped make cinema accessible to people throughout the city. This historic photograph preserves the Eastown during an important period in Detroit’s entertainment history.

Fisher Building Under Construction, Detroit (1927)

In 1927, the Fisher Building was rising as one of Detroit’s most ambitious architectural projects. Construction took place during a period when the automobile industry was generating enormous wealth and transforming the city’s skyline. The building was designed with elaborate architectural details and was intended to serve as a major commercial and cultural landmark. Workers constructing the massive structure were helping create one of Detroit’s most recognizable buildings. Once completed, the Fisher Building would become famous for both its offices and the Fisher Theatre. This photograph captures the landmark during its dramatic construction phase.

Old Greyhound Station and Cunningham’s Drug Store with Statler Hotel, Detroit (1960)

In 1960, the old Greyhound Station and Cunningham’s Drug Store stood near the Statler Hotel in downtown Detroit. The scene brought together several important aspects of mid-century urban life: public transportation, retail shopping, hospitality, and busy downtown streets. Greyhound buses connected Detroit with communities throughout Michigan and across the country, while Cunningham’s served local shoppers with medicines and everyday necessities. The Statler Hotel added to the bustling commercial atmosphere of the area. Automobiles, buses, pedestrians, and businesses filled the surrounding streets. This photograph preserves a familiar downtown Detroit scene from the beginning of the 1960s.