The Oldest House in Michigan Is More Than 240 Years Old

Surrounded by the Great Lakes, Michigan is known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine waters, and outdoor adventures. Michigan also has a fascinating history steeped in Native American culture and French Canadian influences.

To this day, several residential, religious, and government buildings dating back to the 19th and 18th centuries remain intact in the state of Michigan. The oldest house in Michigan, known as McGulpin House, is over 240 years old!

History of Michigan

Michigan has a rich history that may date as far back as the 11th millennium BC. According to Michigan.gov, archaeological evidence indicates that unknown tribes extracted copper from the area thousands of years ago. The copper was then fashioned into tools and other implements that became valuable items of trade.

Long before the first European settlers arrived in the area approximately 100,000 Native Americans lived in the Great Lakes region. The main groups in the area were the Chippewa (Ojibway), Ottawa, and Potawatomi. Other significant tribes included the Huron (Wyandot), Sauk, Miami, and Menominee.

French and British Control

The first European explorers to arrive in Michigan were French. They explored the area in the early 17th century and claimed it as a part of French Canada until 1763. In that year, France was defeated in the French and Indian War and they ceded the land to Britain.

After the American Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Paris (1783) expanded the United States’ boundaries to include Michigan. However, it would be many years before the British gave up control of the area.

Statehood

After the U.S. finally gained control, Michigan’s status changed several times. It was first a part of the Northwest Territory. Then most of the state joined the Indiana Territory in the year 1800. Finally, the territory of Michigan was established in 1805 and Detroit was designated as the state capital. The capital was later moved to its permanent location in Lansing in 1847.

In the 1830s, Michigan grew faster than any other territory, thanks to the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. Following a boundary dispute with the state of Ohio known as the Toledo War, Michigan was admitted to the Union and gained statehood in 1837.

Modern Day Michigan

Many people may be familiar with Michigan’s role in the automobile industry. Henry Ford built his first automobile factory in Detroit in 1899, followed by General Motors’ founding in Flint in 1908. By 1940, 60% of the world’s automobiles were assembled in Michigan.

Though the automobile industry is still an important part of the state, Michigan continues to look for ways to diversify its economy in the 21st century. Today the state is also known for its agriculture, college towns, and beautiful shorelines along the Great Lakes.

Origin of McGulpin House

The oldest house in Michigan has a fascinating and somewhat mysterious history. Known as McGulpin House, the residence’s origins are unknown, but historians date it to around 1780 or possibly before. The home is a rare example of early French Canadian architecture in Michigan.

By 1819, McGulpin House was purchased by a bread baker named William McGulpin, writes Mackinac State Historic Parks. He lived there with his wife Madeline Bourassa and their many children. Today McGulpin House remains an example of the home of a working-class family during Michigan’s fur trading era.

McGulpin House was moved from its original location in 1982 when the interior was partially restored to reveal its intricacies. The main room now boasts a model of the entire building. Sections of the house are exposed to show the original lathe, plaster, and wallpaper layers, and the home’s original rafters. One section of the wall is even thought to have once contained a Catholic shrine.

Where is McGulpin House Located on a Map?

McGulpin House is located on Mackinac Island, MI at the corner of Fort Street and Market Street. It is a part of the island’s historic downtown area. Mackinac Island itself has a rich history. Its name dates back to the French interpretation of the Native American’s name for the land, which translated to “Place of the Great Turtle,” writes MackinacIsland.org.

In the 18th and 17th centuries, the fur trade was an extremely important economic activity in the Straits of Mackinac. By the 1920s, Mackinac Island had established itself as an important vacation spot. The island also became known for its fudge-making, with shops demonstrating their techniques right in front of customers.

Today, Mackinac Island remains a popular tourist destination. It is known for many things, including its state park and historic sites. Mackinac Island also famously banned cars in 1898, a rule that remains to this day. Visitors and locals get around the island by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage.

Visit McGulpin House

Today McGulpin House has been preserved as an architectural artifact. It is open to the public as a part of historic downtown Mackinac. Visitors can purchase tickets from June 3 – August 13. Tickets are $10 for adults and include access to several historic locations on Mackinac Island.

One of these historic sites, known as Biddle House, was a fur trade space likely built around the same time as McGulpin House.

In 1830, merchants Agatha and Edward Biddle moved into the space. According to Mackinac State Historic Parks, Agatha was an Anishnaabek woman, and her culture was subject to immense change during this time.

Other sites included with your ticket are the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and the American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum. For more information visit the Mackinac State Historic Parks website.

Other Points of Interest on Mackinac Island

There are a number of fun and exciting things to do on Mackinac Island. Of course, visitors can grab a ticket to view historic sites, such as the Biddle and McGulpin Houses. The island is also home to a state park with a variety of wildlife and outdoor activities.

Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac is Michigan’s first state park. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is state park property and there is no shortage of outdoor wonders to explore. The state park includes 70.5 miles of signed and interpreted roads and trails for visitors to explore on horseback or by walking, biking, and hiking.

Mackinac Island also provides a great spot for birdwatching. Depending on the season, visitors may see ruby-throated hummingbirds, barred owls, pileated, hairy, or downy woodpeckers, and much more. Other wildlife in the area includes chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, and deer.

Grand Hotel

Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is a national historic landmark with spectacular accommodations. However, you don’t have to book a room to enjoy the hotel’s beauty.

According to Pure Michigan, the Grand Hotel offers a luxurious and traditional afternoon tea, which includes “tea, sherry, Champagne, finger sandwiches, scones, and more with live harp music as the backdrop.”

Tourist Activities

There’s no shortage of miscellaneous tourist activities to take part in on Mackinac Island. One of the most idyllic is to take a carriage ride through the area. It’s an especially popular activity since cars are still banned on the island.

Another must-see local attraction is Mackinac Island’s many fudge and candy shops, some of which have a history dating back to the 19th century. For example, The Original Murdock’s Fudge has been serving up sweet treats since 1887.