Founding of Marshall

Due to its prime location, Marshall was set up for success when it was founded in 1830 by brothers Sydney and George Ketchum.

To give you some reference, Calhoun County was established in 1829 and Marshall was made the county seat in 1831. Michigan didn't become a state until 1837.

Most settlements at that time were founded for agricultural or industrial reasons, but the Ketchum brothers dreamed of a community of professional politicians, doctors, lawyers, and businessmen (and some farmers too!). Marshall, Michigan was named for sitting U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall, the first of many American cities and counties named for the legendary jurist but the only one to do so while he was still alive.

John Marshall (September 24, 1755 – July 6, 1835) was an American statesman, jurist, and Founding Father who served as the fourth chief justice of the United States. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential justices ever to serve. Prior to joining the court, Marshall briefly served as both the U.S. Secretary of State and a U.S. Representative (from Virginia), making him one of few Americans to have held constitutional office in each of the three branches of the Federal government.

With the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison, Marshall upheld the principle of judicial review which said that courts could strike down federal and state laws if they conflicted with the Constitution. Marshall's holding cemented the idea of separation of powers, and established the position of the American judiciary as an independent and co-equal branch of government. Other major decisions issued by the Marshall Court confirmed the supremacy of the Federal government over the states and established that the Supreme Court could hear appeals from state courts in both civil and criminal matters.