French carpenters likely built the original South Southeast Rowhouse in the mid-1730s, during one of Michilimackinac’s first major expansions. Originally containing four house units, the rowhouse was rebuilt in the 1760s after the British took control of the fort. French traders and British soldiers lived in the houses after 1761. In 1775, Captain Arent DePeyster reported that he had “removed an old house bordering too near upon the powder magazine,” almost certainly referring to the easternmost house unit. After this house was demolished, the other three units remained until Michilimackinac was moved to Mackinac Island between 1779 and 1781.
Archaeologists excavated portions of the rowhouse and the surrounding yards between 1976 and 1979. The easternmost house unit was rebuilt in 1985-86.
Today it is home to three exhibits:
Coming Together at the Straits: The People of Michilimackinac, showcasing how the thriving community of Michilimackinac drew people from diverse cultures - many in search of wealth or to protect the British empire. Others had little choice, coming as slaves.
Firearms on the Frontier, which describes the various firearms used at a frontier outpost such as Michilimackinac.
The Powder Magazine is the most complete ruin at Michilimackinac.
The Powder Magazine and Firearms on the Frontier are both located down a flight of stairs. An accessible program is located at the entrance to the South Southeast Rowhouse.
