Commandant's Quarters

The Commandant's Quarters is a two-story red-brick building with a low-pitched hipped roof, slate covering, and extended verandas located at 21950 Michigan Avenue. It now houses exhibits within the Dearborn Historical Museum presenting collections that trace the region's development across different periods.

Built in 1834 as part of the Detroit Arsenal, this building served as the residence for commanding officers overseeing armament supplies for the expanding military presence. It remains the sole surviving structure from the original eleven buildings of that arsenal complex.

The structure displays Federal design on its exterior with Greek Revival details inside, reflecting American architectural preferences of the 1830s. Visitors can see how commanding officers and their families lived during that era through the arranged rooms.

The location sits on a major street and is easy to reach, with adequate parking in the immediate area. Plan time to explore the exhibits and be aware that the historic rooms have limited capacity during busy periods.

This building was originally part of a larger military complex, but nearly all other structures have completely disappeared from the landscape. This makes it a rare surviving window into the region's military past.

Location: Michigan

Architectural style: Federal architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.30639,-83.24389

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54