Eagle Harbor in Keweenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Eagle Harbor House
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 13, 2014
1. Eagle Harbor House Marker
Side 1
Built by the Eagle Harbor Mining Company in 1845, Eagle Harbor House opened to boarders and travelers in 1846, the beginning of the Keweenaw copper rush. It is the last remaining log building of the first four in Eagle Harbor. In 1852 German immigrant Charles Kunz purchased the inn, adding a blacksmith shop and warehouses. Kunz became Keweenaw County's first sheriff in 1861. He owned the boardinghouse until his death in 1902. It was inherited by his nephew Thomas E. Parks.
Although the economy was based primarily on copper mining, the Keweenaw Peninsula lured visitors with its natural beauty. Beginning in 1846, Eagle Harbor House provided safe lodging to businessmen, prospectors and travelers. Thomas E. Parks, Keweenaw County sheriff from 1931 to 1936, owned the property from 1902 to 1944. J.C. Westlake purchased the business in 1946, and his son Fred operated it until 1973. Rehabilitation begun in 1995 restored many interior features.
Erected 2000 by Michigan Historical Center-Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L2046.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eagle Harbor (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Eagle Harbor General Store (about 600 feet away); Iron-Stock Anchor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riveted Bell Buoy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wood-Stock Anchor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums (approx. 0.2 miles away); Michigan DNR Marina (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eagle Harbor Entrance Channel and Range Lights (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eagle Harbor.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 13, 2014
2. Eagle Harbor House Marker
Side 2
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 13, 2014
3. Eagle Harbor House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
