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

The Walker/Wixom Tavern

Photographed by Joel S., October 30, 2013

1. The Walker/Wixom Tavern Marker

Inscription. The first country inn in Farmington was the log home of Solomon Walker, opened in 1827. A gala celebration was held there for New Year's Eve 1828, followed by the first Township meeting in 1829. East of his log house Walker built a Greek Revival frame tavern which Nathan Philbrick purchased. He, in turn, sold it to Robert Wixom, Jr. who enlarged the building. There was a fancy ballroom and carpets graced the floors. Sarah Wixom cooked and the stagecoach stopped there.

The stagecoach era ended, and the inn reverted to a residence, fell into disrepair and was torn down after 1910.

Erected by Farmington Hills Historic District Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 42° 28.066′ N, 83° 25.173′ W. Marker is in Farmington Hills, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Michigan Highway 5, on the right when traveling east on Grand River Avenue. The marker is between the parking lots of Suburban Imports and Suburban Nissan. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 37901 Grand River Avenue, Farmington MI 48335, 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

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stephen Yerkes Rodgers House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Quaker Burial Ground (approx. 1.7 miles away); Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Old Mill (approx. 1.8 miles away); Sleepy Hollow (approx. 1.8 miles away); Gov. Fred M. Warner (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Newburg School (approx. 2 miles away); The Newburg Church (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farmington Hills.

Another marker is no longer nearby. David Simmons House (was approx. 1.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Joel S., October 30, 2013

2. The Walker/Wixom Tavern Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 843 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.