Biddle House (Mackinac Island) facts for kids
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Biddle House
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Market Street Mackinac Island, Michigan |
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| Part of | Mackinac Island (ID66000397) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated NHLDCP | October 15, 1966 |
The Biddle House is a very old building on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It was built before the year 1800. This historic house was once a home and a shop where people traded animal furs. Today, it is part of the Mackinac Island State Park and is a special place that helps tell the story of the island's past.
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A Glimpse into the Past
The Biddle House is one of the oldest buildings on Mackinac Island. Experts believe it was built around 1780. This was when the first European-American settlers arrived on the island. The house shows a style of building from that time.
The Biddle Family and Fur Trade
After the War of 1812, the fur trade became very important on Mackinac Island. Around 1822, a fur trader named Edward Biddle moved into the house. He was from a well-known family in Philadelphia. Edward made the house a home for his family. He also used part of it as a shop. Here, he traded goods for animal furs. These furs came from animals like beavers, minks, otters, and raccoons.
Edward Biddle was very successful in the fur trade. This was partly because of his marriage to Agatha Biddle. She was an important member of the Odawa nation. Agatha had many family connections in the area. These connections helped Edward with his trading. Edward also worked closely with the American Fur Company. This was the biggest fur trading company at the time. The Biddles bought the house completely in 1832.
Visiting the Biddle House Today
The Biddle House was carefully fixed up in 1959. It is now part of the Mackinac Island State Park. You can visit it with a ticket to Fort Mackinac. The park shows the Biddle House as it looked in the 1820s. This was when the Biddles lived there and were doing well.
When you visit, you can learn about the history of the Native American people of the Straits of Mackinac. There is also a recreated kitchen from that time. Here, you can see how meals were made in the early 1800s. They even show how people cooked over an open fire in the fireplace.
Historical Recognition
The Biddle House was officially recognized as a Michigan Registered Site in 1960. A special sign is placed near the front door of the house. It tells visitors about the building's long history. The sign explains that the house might be the oldest on the island. It also mentions Edward Biddle and his family. The sign notes that the house is an example of an old building style from Quebec. It was restored in 1959 by architects and builders.
