Stepping Back in Time

History buffs won’t be able to resist the allure of three historic structures that date back to the 1820s and housed key figures in Michigan history.

The John Johnston House was a hospitable meeting place for significant players in the region’s history, including surveyors, explorers, traders and trappers. Johnston was a British-American fur trader who married the daughter of a powerful Chippewa Chief in 1793. His vast knowledge of both the Chippewa ways and the Great Lakes region made him an integral part of the development of this frontier. The French log home has been restored and is now open to the public, complete with furnishings and exhibits of the era. The home is open 7 days a week for touring. An interpretive demonstration is given weekdays from 11am-Noon, when John Johnston himself is portrayed for all to meet. Musical performances featuring songs and stories from the era entertain visitors Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2pm. The John Johnston House is open Mid-June through Labor Day.

The office of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft is also open for viewing. Schoolcraft was an explorer, U.S. Indian agent and author who married Johnston’s daughter, Jane. Schoolcraft’s books on Ojibwe lore are credited by some as inspiration for Longfellow’s Hiawatha. Furnished and adorned to replicate Schoolcraft’s interests, the office includes many relevant artifacts from the era. It is open daily for viewing between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

Take a sneak peak at the industrial history of Sault Ste. Marie at the Kemp Coal Company office. Kemp was a thriving shipping company on the St. Mary’s River. The building was built in 1903 for Kemp Coal. Displays and artifacts feature the history of this industry and several others that were instrumental in building Sault Ste. Marie. The Kemp company operated at the site until the 1950's. Summer visitors may tour the exhibits daily between the hours of Noon and 5pm.

The historic homes on the Water Street Historic Block are operated through a cooperative effort between the Chippewa County Historical Society, Sault Historic Sites, & the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  For more information, call toll free (888) 744-7867 or locally at (906) 632-3658 or website:  saulthistoricsites