Birmingham in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John West Hunter Park

Photographed by Joel Seewald, December 27, 2022

1. John West Hunter Park Marker

Inscription. This park is dedicated to John West Hunter (1792-1880), frontiersman, farmer, entrepreneur, blacksmith, foundry owner, and community leader. One of Birmingham's first settlers, he purchased 160 acres of land in 1818 and 4 years later erected the first frame house in the settlement. This historic house, originally situated along the Saginaw Trail (now Old Woodward Ave.) was moved to the park in 1970.

Erected by Heirloom Questers No. 145.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 42° 32.801′ N, 83° 13.184′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is at the intersection of West Maple Road and Southfield Road, on the right when traveling west on West Maple Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 556 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western

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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 walking distance of this marker: Hill Building Bell (a few steps from this marker); The John W. Hunter House (a few steps from this marker); Hunter House (a few steps from this marker); Allen House (within shouting distance of this marker); Baldwin Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Field Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Quarton Building (approx. ¼ mile away); City Hall (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

More about this marker. Marker is at the entrance to the Birmingham Historical Museum & Park.

Also see . . .
1. John W. Hunter House. Wikipedia article (Submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. Michigan SP Hunter, John W., House. The National Register of Historic Places - Nomination Form indicates that the house is one of the oldest buildings in Michigan. It was originally located at what is now 168 South Woodward.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, December 27, 2022

2. John West Hunter Park Marker

Marker is in front of the Hunter House on the right.

The Nomination Form also indicates that the house was moved in 1893 to what is now 264 West Brown Street and a wing that was added to the original structure was not included in the move. In 1970 the house was moved to the current location and a porch that was added around 1920 was not moved. A wing was added to the west side of the house soon after the move to the current location. (Submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 28, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.