Sued by the former slave owner, the Marshall abolitionists lost. The Crosswhite case was instrumental in the creation of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, which in turn contributed to tensions that led to the Civil War.
A historic houses tour held the first weekend after Labor Day focuses on one of Marshall's hallmarks: an unusual number of excellent, well-preserved examples of Greek and Gothic revival, Italianate and Queen Anne architecture. Their survival resulted in part from the dashing of two 19th-century dreams: Marshall failed to become the capital, and the railroad boom collapsed. Foresight has since supplanted chance, and the structures are carefully protected.
Visitor Centers
Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce 323 W. Michigan Ave. Marshall, MI 49068. Phone:(269)781-5163 or (800)877-5163
Self-guiding Tours
A map detailing a tour of Marshall is available at local shops and inns, the chamber of commerce and the Honolulu House Museum (107 N. Kalamazoo Ave.).