© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'One Mile:' The history of Detroit's first concrete road

Scott Pohl / WKAR

A section of Woodward Avenue in Detroit marks America's first mile of concrete road.

Every summer, Current State’s Scott Pohl visits historic sites in Detroit with Michigan Historical Commission President Jack Dempsey.

For their first talk this year, Jack takes Scott to a spot along Woodward Avenue to talk about a development that changed the way we drive forever.

This site in Detroit was the location of America's first mile-long road made of concrete.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the Woodward Avenue location as the site of the 'first stretch of road made of concrete.' This is corrected above as the 'first mile-long road made of concrete.' Shorter concrete roads existed before 1909. 

Related Content
WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.