Three hundred years ago, the first and only battle engaged in the Grosse Pointes occurred in what is now the Windmill Pointe area of Grosse Pointe.
A historical marker commemorating the “Fox Indian Massacre” reads, “Encouraged by a potential alliance with the English, the Fox Indians besieged Fort Pontchartrain, Detroit, in 1712. Repulsed by the French and their Huron and Ottawa Indian allies, the Fox retreated and entrenched themselves in this area known as Presque Isle. The French pursued and defeated the Fox in the only battle fought in the Grosse Pointes. More than a thousand Fox Indians were killed in a fierce five-day struggle. Soon afterward French settlers began to develop the Grosse Pointes.”
The marker is at the intersection of Windmill Pointe Drive and Lakepointe Street, on the left when traveling west on Windmill Pointe Drive. It was erected in 1997 by Michigan History Division, Department of State.
We are pleased to be a part of such a dynamic and reverential project. Not only does this project allow us to add beauty to the fabric of our community but, more importantly give honor and respect to the battle that disenfranchised native peoples that once called this area home. The community reparations are coming in form of a garden that will help grow awareness to the history of our area. We all understand history is complicated and we all are on the same page to help shed light on the often-forgotten native peoples that were most abused in that history.
I hope this newly designed garden space allows people of our community and others to reflect on the many layers of said history. In place making on this site, I wanted it to be elevated to a stature of reverence and healing through beauty and serenity. The native peoples looked to nature as their place to commune with the great spirit and we too shall follow that lead and nurture this site to be held as sacred. In a small way we are indeed offering as much reparations as we possibly could to the memory of these peoples.
Phillip Morici, Co-owner fleurDetroit, project visionary and Grosse Pointe Park resident
Two trees, 15 bushes and at least six plants surround the marker, installed on the median near the intersection of Lakepointe in 1977, by the Michigan Department of State ’ s history division.
Unfortunately, the landscaping has overgrown so high that you can hardly see the plaque. Partners to support this cause of improving and restoring the memorial include Grosse Pointe Park Beautification Commission and the Junior League of Detroit.
