It’s not much of a stretch to imagine an 1830s road dotted with log cabins such as along Indiana’s Michigan Road. But would it surprise you to learn that some of them survived to today?
Two houses that are probably log cabins still stand on the road. Until a year or so ago, a third stood on the road’s original alignment south of Napoleon in Ripley County. It had seen better days when I photographed it. It has now seen its last days, as current Google Maps Street View imagery shows nothing on this spot.
This one is in Indianapolis where the town of Augusta used to be. It’s right across the road from the Boardman House. At least I think it’s a log cabin. The front portion is about the right form factor – small and rectangular with two small windows flanking a centered front door, and tall walls which would accommodate an upstairs loft. The back portion would have been added later. I gather that log cabins were known by their builders to be fairly cramped and primitive housing. As they were able, they expanded their homes and modernized them, such as by attaching siding.
Blogger Hoosier Reborn, my partner in crime on the Michigan Road Historic Byway project, thinks that the other log cabin is a certain little house on the Michigan Road in Lakeville, in St. Joseph County.
And in case you’ve forgotten, we’re working to have the Michigan Road named a state historic byway. Read more about it at the project’s Web site.
As you drive the Michigan Road you’ll encounter many older homes. Two of my favorites are the Corbin House and the Fairmount House.
I’ve documented Indiana’s historic Michigan Road extensively. To read all about it, click here.
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