Columbiaville in Lapeer County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The William Peter Mansion

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

1. The William Peter Mansion Marker

Inscription. This structure, completed in 1896, was the home of William Peter (1824-1899). Peter, a prominent Columbiaville businessman, was a rags-to-riches character. Around 1847 he came to the area from Germany via New York state, a penniless immigrant. Immediately he began working in a local sawmill. He invested his earnings in large tracts of land and platted the village of Columbiaville in 1871. From 1879 to 1899, Peter developed the community. He built a gristmill, a woolen mill, houses for his workmen, a school, a church and several commercial buildings. Most of Columbiaville was owned and dominated by him. His wife, Roxanna, planned this Italianate residence, which still displays its original hardwood floors and decorative woodwork in oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry and maple.

Erected 1981 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L751.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 43° 9.362′ N, 83° 24.689′ W. Marker is in Columbiaville, Michigan, in Lapeer County. It is at the intersection of Second Street (County Route 44) and Water Street

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, on the right when traveling south on Second Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4707 Water Street, Columbiaville MI 48421, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbiaville Depot (about 700 feet away); James Richardson, D.O. a generous gentleman. (about 700 feet away); Columbiaville Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Niver Bros. Sawmill / Gristmill (approx. 0.4 miles away); Smith Hill Cemetery (approx. 5.6 miles away); Otisville High School (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Country School (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbiaville.

Also see . . . The Mansion. History of the mansion on the former William Peter Mansion Bed and Breakfast website. (Submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

The William Peter Mansion and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

2. The William Peter Mansion and Marker

View from Second Street.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

3. The William Peter Mansion Marker

View from Water Street.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, February 23, 2017

4. The William Peter Mansion Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,286 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 24, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.