Station: Gowen, MI

Like many small towns during this era, Gowen was settled as a lumber community about 1847. It was first called Gregor's Mills and later Kaywood. [MPN] Gowen was located on a Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western railroad (later Pere Marquette) about five miles northwest of Greenville in Montcalm County.

In 1871, the town has a drug store, three general stores, grist mill, saw mill, planning mill, and two shingle mills. [I&L]

Photo Info: Top, a short PM train crosses the Flat River bridge at Gowen. [Greenville Historical Society]. 2nd photo, the Pere Marquette depot at Gowen, MI [Jack Stewart collection]

Notes

Time Line

1871. The railroad builds a Howe truss bridge over the Flat River at this location. [I&L]

Industry

1871. Flat River Boom Company mill.