In the far southwest corner of
Hillsdale County, Cope Road bounces along, potholes scattered across the
rolling unpaved surface. There are no billboards announcing “Welcome to Pure
Michigan” or “Greetings from the Crossroads of America” or whatever slogan Ohio
is using to lure tourists these days.
Outside, the rural Midwest sprawls in every direction. Cope Road is a country road like so many others. Not quite a mile south of W. Territorial Road, just as you approach Michigan’s southernmost point, a large rock on the side of the road tells why it’s unique.
The Tri-State Marker sits unceremoniously in grass on the east side of the road indicating that 130 feet to the south is the point where Michigan, Indiana and Ohio meet. The thigh-high chunk of rock has been resting here since 1977 when it was gifted by the folks at the Hillsdale County Historical Society. No slogans, no fanfare. This might as well be a county line, which somehow seems perfect.
In a world full of souvenir stands and ticket lines, it’s somewhat refreshing that the point where Michigan meets Indiana meets Ohio remains as simple as this: a large rock alongside a country road. With potholes.
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