French carpenters likely constructed the original Southwest Rowhouse in the 1730s. Some of the community’s most prominent residents, such as the fort’s commanding officer, lived in this six-unit building during the French period. Sometime between 1755 and 1760, the aging rowhouse was torn down and replaced with an identical structure. After the British arrived in 1761, Capt. William Howard tore down the old French officer’s house to create a garden for his troops. Inhabited by British soldiers, French and British merchants, and families, the rest of the rowhouse remained until the community of Michilimackinac moved to Mackinac Island around 1780.
The Southwest Rowhouse was excavated between 1962 and 1964. Three of the five house units which remained in the 1770s were reconstructed in 1968. A fourth unit was added in 2024.
Today, the Southwest Rowhouse is home to the Merchant’s House, Soldier’s House, Attack! at Michilimackinac movie, and our newest exhibit, Slavery at the Straits.
Slavery at the Straits shows how, throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, slavery was an integral part of the community at Michilimackinac and in Michigan.
Attack! at Michilimackinac presents a movie of the most dramatic event in the fort’s history.
The Merchant’s and Soldier’s Houses are set up as period settings, and interpretive staff provide formal and informal interpretation within both throughout the day.
The Southwest Rowhouse may not be accessible to some wheelchairs and scooters, as doors are only 29.5” wide.
