Francis Metallic Surfboat

Francis Metallic Surfboat is a Michigan historical marker in Douglas, Allegan County, dedicated 2016.

Allegan County · dedicated 2016 · 130 Center Street, Douglas

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From about 1854 to at least 1863, this surfboat was used for lifesaving purposes near the Saugatuck Lighthouse. It was one of 48 used on the Great Lakes and one of 137 used nationally. Joseph Francis, owner of the Francis Metallic Lifeboat Company, used his patented press to form the boats’ metal hulls. In 1890 Francis was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his many inventions used to improve life-saving. In 2015 this boat was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Barry Lawrence Ruderman Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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Marker data: Michigan History Center
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On the National Register nearby

Francis Metallic Surfboat60 ft
Douglas Union School80 ft

Places within about 300 feet of this marker that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A nearby listing is not always the marker's own subject.