Memphis, Michigan: Marker: The Thing
A historical marker pays tribute to The Thing, "the first recorded self-propelled vehicle in Michigan (and perhaps the country)." It was built in this tiny Michigan town.
- Address:
- Bordman Rd, Memphis, MI
- Directions:
- East edge of town, on the south side of Bordman Rd, just east of its intersection with Cedar St. The marker has its own tiny pull-out, big enough for one car.
- Admission:
- Free
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"The Thing" was a self-propelled vehicle, powered by a steam engine, built in 1884-1885 by Thomas and John Clegg in their Memphis machine shop. The historical marker states that The Thing was "the first recorded self-propelled vehicle in Michigan (and perhaps the country)" and that "It ran about 500 miles before Clegg dismantled it and sold the engine to a creamery."
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