Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse, building in Michigan, United States
Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse is a small, one-room wooden building with a simple gabled roof and traditional sash windows. Inside, it contains rows of wooden desks and a chalkboard at the front, arranged in the style of rural schools from the mid-1800s.
The building was constructed in 1853 as the area's first school and served the local community for decades. Justus Rathbone taught here in the late 1850s and later became known for founding the Knights of Pythias.
The schoolhouse served as a gathering place where the community brought children to learn together. Its simple design reflects how closely teachers and students worked, and how central this building was to local family life.
The schoolhouse sits in a quiet area surrounded by open space, making for a peaceful visit. Visitors can tour the building during summer months and should verify specific opening times before planning a trip.
Teacher Justus Rathbone later became famous for founding the Knights of Pythias, a secret society whose rituals were inspired by plays he and friends staged at this school. A bronze statue of Rathbone placed in front of the building commemorates his unexpected influence on history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
