Corner of Market Street and Fort Street Represents 1820’s era
When entering this historical treasure, which has been completely restored, notice the unique French-Canadian architecture of the building, which is its interpretive focus. In the main interior room, a model of the entire building provides greater access to the specific architectural elements. Exposed wall sections show original lathe, plaster and wallpapers layers, paint colors and a section of the wall that may have contained a Catholic shrine. A second room contains exhibit panels focusing on the chronological history and restoration of the building. A section of the ceiling of a third room is open to expose original rafters.
This modest home is of great historical importance. This home may have been part of the mainland Michilimackinac community (in present day Mackinaw City, located across the Straits of Mackinac) before it was moved to the island after 1780. It may be one of the oldest private residences in Michigan. Built in the late 18th century, it was purchased by bread-baker William McGulpin in 1819, who lived there with his wife Madeline Bourassa and their many children. The McGulpin home is a great example of the home of a “working class” family from the fur trading era.
