 The Townsend National Highway was named for Charles E. Townsend , a former congressman and senator from Michigan . As a senator , he introduced the federal highway aid bill in 1919 . The Michigan Good Roads Association promoted a highway in his name between Mobile , Alabama , and Michigan . The Michigan segment followed a number of highways through the two peninsulas , including the modern US 41 between Harvey and Calumet . Only Townsend Drive in Houghton retains the name in part . 
