Originally built by the French in the mid-1730s, the Northwest Rowhouse was either substantially renovated or completely rebuilt in the 1760s. The rowhouse consisted of five joined house units. Property records indicate that at various times some of the individual house units were either joined or further subdivided, creating new apartments within the building as the units passed between owners. Although it is largely unclear who lived in the individual house units, archaeological evidence indicates that British merchants, who were some of Michilimackinac’s wealthier residents, lived in the rowhouse, enjoying imported ceramics, glassware, and furniture.
Archaeologists partially excavated the Northwest Rowhouse in 1961. Two house units were reconstructed in 1965, with a third added in 1977-78. The two other house units remain undisturbed as an archaeological preserve.
The Northwest Rowhouse is home to our largest exhibit, Treasures from the Sand, as well as period settings set up as British Trader’s Houses.
Treasures from the Sand explores the historical archaeological process, and is home to hundreds of artifacts unearthed at Colonial Michilimackinac. This exhibit is located down a flight of stairs, with an accessible program available inside the British Trader’s House.
The British Trader’s Houses were most likely lived in during the summer months, and today often have an interpreter inside providing formal and informal programs.
British Trader’s House
Entrance to Treasures from the Sand
Treasures from the Sand Exhibit
