Re: Rouge Plant ??

Posted by Doug Thompson on April 03, 1998 at 08:00:15

In Reply to: Rouge Plant ??
posted by Tim Wildey on April 01, 1998 at 19:43:38

The Rouge complex still exists, but in somewhat diminished state.The assembly plant still cranks out cars (Mustang).There's a glass plant, engine plant, and metal stamping plant.The iron foundry is gone.Only the engine plant offers tours to the general public, but they must be arranged in advance.It also may be possible to schedule a special tour of the assembly plant by contacting them directly.
Ford sold the steel operation about 10-15 years ago.Much of that operation has been pared back -- no coke ovens, no ore boats any more.The powerhouse still runs, but the complex no longer is completely self-sufficent for electrical power.The railroad still operates, but only within the complex.
Overall, there's not much to see.Best bets for Ford history in the area are Greenfield Village, The Edison Institute (Henry Ford Museum), Fairlane (Henry Ford's "mansion"), and Edsel Ford's estate, which also is open for tours.Then, if you're a real "buff", there's the Dearborn Inn (the country's first airport hotel -- across the street from what used to be the Ford Airport, now a test track), and the old EEE (Engineering) building, which still is in use.Then, if you're REALLY serious, you can find the Ford family's burial plot, where Henry and Clara are today, the old soybean warehouse (still in use, but not for soybeans), the old Highland Park (Model T) plant and headquarters.But you're a bit late to see the old Headquarters building (1929-1956).It was torn down last year.

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