Plank roads were wooden routes made of hewn logs that were common in the Northest and Midwest of the U.S. in the first half of the 19th century.  At one time Michigan had over 60 plank road companies chartered in the state.  In 1849 the state legislature incorporated the Battle Creek & Hastings Plank Road Company to build a plank road between the two cities.  Some of the most prominent pioneers in these two cities history were named as directors.  Plank roads were often turned into toll roads, and one such road was built over a three year period between Marshall and Bellevue.  

Along these routes were the stage coaches which offered the most comfortable, if somewhat bumpy, journey between Battle Creek, Hastings and Grand Rapids.  Stage coach routes were eventually expanded to go as far as St. Joseph, White Pigeon and Jackson with the central hub from Battle Creek.  Along these routes were taverns which became famous in their days, such as Tamarack Tavern in Assyria, Bristol's in Johnstown, Barney's Tavern in Battle Creek and the famous Mansion House of William Lewis in Yankee Springs.  

The early mail routes were established by way of the stage coach on the plank roads as well.  It is a fascinating history.

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