Walker Tavern
Walker Tavern | |
 | |
  Location within the state of Michigan  Walker Tavern (the United States) | |
| Location | 11710 U.S. Route 12 Cambridge Township, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°03′36″N 84°13′30″W / 42.06000°N 84.22500°W |
| Built | c. 1832 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Cambridge Junction Historic State Park |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000404[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
| Designated MSHS | February 19, 1958[2] |
The Walker Tavern is a historic structure located at 11710 U.S. Route 12 in Cambridge Township in northwesternmost Lenawee County, Michigan. It was designated as a Michigan Historic Site on February 19, 1958, and was later the county's first property added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1971.[1][2] The structure was incorporated into the Cambridge Junction Historic State Park and continues to serve as a museum and venue for various events.[2]
History[edit]
This structure was built as a modest farmhouse around 1832 by an unknown architect in the style of Federal architecture. It was built at the important intersection of the former Chicago Road (U.S Route 12) and the Monroe Pike (M-50). At some point, Calvin Snell began operating the building as a tavern for travelers along the road. In about 1838, Sylvester and Lucy Walker moved from New York State and likely began leasing the inn and tavern from Snell. In 1842, the Walkers purchased the tavern, renaming it the Walker Tavern.[3] In addition to a tavern, it also served as an inn for travelers from Monroe en route from Detroit to Chicago — a stagecoach trip that once took five days. Famous guests included Daniel Webster and James Fenimore Cooper.[2] The structure served a variety of purposes, including a meeting place for religious and political gatherings.[4]
Walker operated the tavern until about 1853, when he constructed a similar establishment, S. Walker's Hotel, across the street. In 1865, the older Walker Tavern was purchased by Francis A. Dewey. In 1921, Frederic Hewitt purchased the tavern and converted it into a museum. In 1965, the Walker Tavern was sold to the Michigan DNR, and it underwent several alterations during a restoration process.[2][5]
Description[edit]
The Walker Tavern is a two-story frame structure, sided with whitewood clapboard, and located on a low rise of ground. It is framed with hand-hewn white oak timbers about eight inches square. A basement of fieldstone extends under about half the building. The original portion of the tavern measures approximately 36 feet by 18 feet, and three major additions were made to the rear of the original structure, extending its depth.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 27, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e State of Michigan (2009). "Walker Tavern". Retrieved June 26, 2010.
- ^ Gladys Saborio (November 2006), NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM: S. Walker's Hotel
- ^ Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2010). "About Walker Tavern, Brooklyn". Retrieved June 26, 2010.
- ^ a b William Lowrey (February 10, 1969), NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY- NOMINATION FORM: Walker Tavern
External links[edit]
- Walker Tavern Historic Site - official site
- Houses in Lenawee County, Michigan
- Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan
- Federal architecture in Michigan
- Museums in Lenawee County, Michigan
- Museums established in 1921
- Houses completed in 1832
- Michigan State Historic Sites in Lenawee County
- Taverns in Michigan
- 1921 establishments in Michigan
- Historic house museums in Michigan
- National Register of Historic Places in Lenawee County, Michigan
- Drinking establishments on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan