Dearborn Arsenal, Michigan – Legends of America
Okay, history buffs and curious minds, let’s take a little trip back in time to Dearborn, Michigan, and explore a fascinating piece of its past: the Dearborn Arsenal. This wasn’t just any old building; it was a key military installation back in the day, with a story that weaves through wars, growth, and the changing face of a community.
From Detroit’s Doorstep to Dearborn’s Heart
Picture this: It’s the early 1800s, and Detroit is a bustling frontier town. The U.S. Army needed a place to store weapons, repair gear, and generally support the troops who were dealing with the Indian Wars in the "Old Northwest Territory." So, in 1817, they set up the Detroit Arsenal right on the banks of the Detroit River.
This arsenal was like the Army’s supply closet, filled with everything from small cannons and powder horns to horse harnesses and those essential howitzers. But as Detroit grew, folks started getting a little nervous about having all that gunpowder and ammunition so close to the city.
So, Uncle Sam decided it was time for a change of scenery. In 1832, Congress gave the green light for a new arsenal to be built west of Detroit, in what we now know as Dearborn. The location was strategically chosen – a massive 1,600-acre site near the Rouge River, right on the "Chicago Road" (now Michigan Avenue), which was the main route between Detroit and Chicago.
Building a Fortress in the Wilderness
In July 1833, the construction of the "Detroit Arsenal at Dearbornville" began. It was a big project, with eleven buildings planned. The locals chipped in, using the area’s rich clay deposits to make bricks. Lumber was shipped up the Rouge River from Detroit, and even the slate for the roofs came all the way from New York. Talk about a logistical challenge!
The whole thing was finally completed in 1837, and Colonel Joshua Howard was put in charge. He was the one who suggested naming the surrounding area after Major General Henry Dearborn, a doctor and hero of the American Revolution from New Hampshire. And that’s how Dearborn got its name!
Inside the Arsenal Walls
The Dearborn Arsenal was like a little military town, complete with a 360-foot square compound, a big parade ground, and a ten-foot-high brick wall with gates. There was even a 75-man garrison to keep things secure.
One of the most important buildings was the powder magazine, where all the gunpowder and explosive ammunition was stored. It had super-thick walls and was located a safe distance away from the other buildings. There was also a dock on the Rouge River, which was used to bring in heavy loads when the water was high.
Beyond the arsenal itself, there was a huge U.S. Military Reserve, with forests, grasslands, and water sources. The trees were used to build everything from the arsenal buildings to gun carriages and ships. To the north of the arsenal, along the Rouge River floodplain, were the stables, barns, and pastures. This area even covered part of what is now Ford Field!
What Was Inside?
Here’s a quick rundown of the buildings that made up the Dearborn Arsenal:
- Commandant’s Quarters: Where the officer in charge lived.
- Officers’ Quarters: Housing for other officers.
- Barracks: Where the soldiers lived.
- Hospital: For treating the sick and wounded.
- Guard House: Where prisoners were held.
- Storehouses: For storing supplies.
- Blacksmith and Carpenter Shops: For making and repairing equipment.
- Gun Carriage Shop: For building and maintaining gun carriages.
- Powder Magazine: The super-secure place for storing explosives.
- Sutler’s Shop: A store where soldiers could buy personal items.
From Arsenal to Community Hub
The Dearborn Arsenal played an active role through the Civil War. But in 1875, it was closed down. Two years later, it was sold off to private citizens, and the buildings took on new lives.
The Commandant’s Quarters became a police station, a kindergarten, and even the village hall. The Armory was turned into a clothing factory called Arna Mills, but sadly, it burned down in 1910. The Second Officers’ Quarters was replaced by a junior high school and a training center. And the blacksmith and carpenter shops became part of Dearborn’s early auto industry.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, four of the original buildings still stand as a reminder of Dearborn’s military past.
The Dearborn Historical Museum owns and operates the 1833 Commandant’s Quarters, which has been restored and is located on Michigan Avenue. It’s the oldest building in Dearborn and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 1838 powder magazine is now a private home called the McFadden-Ross House. And the 1835 Sutler’s Shop and the 1836 Gun Carriage Shop are also privately owned.
So, the next time you’re in Dearborn, take a moment to appreciate these historic buildings. They’re a tangible link to a time when Dearborn was a frontier outpost, playing a vital role in the defense of the nation.