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 house and shop on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It was built before the year 1800. Today, it is part of the Mackinac Island State Park and is a special historic place. It helps show why Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark.
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What is the Biddle House?
The Biddle House is one of the oldest buildings on Mackinac Island. We don't know exactly when it was built, but its style suggests it was around 1780. This was when the first European-American settlers came to the island.
Life in the 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 made it a home for his family and a shop. Here, he traded goods for animal furs from the Great Lakes area. These furs included beaver, mink, otter, and raccoon pelts.
Edward Biddle was successful for two main reasons. First, he married Agatha Biddle, a respected member of the Odawa nation. She had many family connections in the region, which helped with trade. Second, Edward worked closely with the powerful American Fur Company. Most furs he bought or sold also went through this company. The Biddles officially bought the house in 1832.
Visiting the Biddle House Today
The Biddle House was carefully fixed up in 1959. Now, it's part of the Mackinac Island State Park. You can visit it with a ticket to Fort Mackinac. The park shows the house as it looked in the 1820s, when the Biddle family lived there.
When you visit, you can learn about the history of Native Americans from the Straits of Mackinac. There's also a recreated kitchen from that time. You can see how people prepared meals using an open-hearth fireplace.
A Special Historic Site
The Biddle House was named a Michigan Registered Site in 1960. There is a historic marker outside the house. It tells visitors that the house is probably the oldest on the island. It also mentions Edward Biddle, his family, and the house's unique style. The house was restored in 1959 to preserve its history.
Images for kids
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This marker tells visitors about the Biddle House's history.
