M-1 or most commonly known as Woodward Avenue has much history on it and a place in most of our hearts. Woodward Avenue was named in honor of Augustus B. Woodward who was the first Chief Justice in the Michigan Territory. Woodward goes from Detroit to Pontiac spanning 27 miles containing Highland Park, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township.
Important Dates:
1909-the stretch of Woodward Avenue between Six Mile and
Seven Mile roads became the first mile of road in the world to be paved with
concrete.
August 1995- First woodward Dream Cruise
June 13,2002- Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta designated Woodward Avenue a National Scenic Byway.
Famous Locations:
 |
| Drive Inn |
Teds Drive Inn, located in Bloomfield Hills became a popular destination and it started in 1934 as a lunch wagon.
The Totem Pole, located in Royal Oak and founded in 1954 had a 16 foot totem pole that was handcarved by Ojibiway chief White Wolf. Home of the popular Big Chief Burger.
Comerica Park, located in Detroit and is home to the Detroit Tigers
Also the Fox Theatre and Ford Field are located on Woodward Avenue.
"Cruising" became popular in the 50's and 60's as many teenagers took out their family car down Woodward with their friends and gathered and hungout at the multiple drive inns. Muscle car competitions sprang up and soon Car and Driver Magazine and Motor Trend magazine showed up along with many news stations. In August of 1995, the Nelson House and some volunteers tried to raise money for a soccer field and in return created the 1st annual Woodward Dream Cruise that lets people relive and recreate the 50's and 60's. Now the Woodward Dream Cruise is at its 18th year and takees place on the third saturday of August every year, even though many start cruising way before then.It is the worlds largest one-day celebration of classic cars and brings 1 million people to Woodward and 40,000 cars.
| The Cruise |
| All American Road |
