The Dearborn Arsenal
Dearborn, Michigan
Wayne County
The small village of Old Dearbornville, located in the City of Dearborn, 10 miles from Detroit and approximately 28 miles from Monroe, housed the Dearborn Arsenal.
In 1839, "Dearbornville" had one church for Methodists, a saw mill with double saws, 7 stores, 2 smitheries, a flour mill, a physician, a foundry for iron, and about 60 families. The Old Chicago Road (now Michigan Ave) passed through the village, and the Detroit and St. Joseph Railroad had a station or depot located within the village limits.
In 1833, the commencement of the building of the arsenal began, and was completed in 1837. It consisted of 11 buildings, built of brick, arranged around a square, with a width of 360 feet. The principal building located in the center of the Eastern side of the square was 120 feet long by 30 feet deep, and was three stories high. This was intended to house military arms. The buildings surrounding the square, were connected by a continous wall of heavy masonry, 12 feet high, all constructed as a defense against an invading foe. The buildings were built to house two officers and 50 soldiers and or workmen, and in case of an emergency, could easily accommodate double that number. The object of this institution was not a military station of soldiers, but for the mounting and equipping of artillery; repairing small arms, and the preparation of all the other numerous duties of war. It was intended, also, particularly, for the supply of Michigan and Wisconsin, in time of War, and to issue to both, in time of peace, such arms and equipment each state were entitled.
The Dearborn Arsenal served the area until it outlived it usefulness and was put up for sale by the Federal Government at a public auction in 1877. The 11 buildings within the walls gradually gave way to progress and only one remains today.
The Armory, the largest of the buildings, was used as living quarters and at one time housed a dance hall and roller rink in the upper level. In 1899 the armory was converted into a woolen mill, the Arna Mills, and in 1910 was destroyed by fire.
The Sutler's Shop, where tobacco, and personal articles were sold to the soldiers, has been remodeled and refaced. It was located on the corners of Garrison and Monroe Streets, and has been at times used as a doctor's office.
The Guard House, the Enlisted Men's Barracks and the Surgeon's Quarters, were at times used as residences. All three were torn down in 1893 to make room for the Dearborn Public School.
In the 1880's a two-story building was built between the Carpenter Shop and the Smith's Shop, making a three unit building. The two-story structure was occupied by a Lumber Mill and later taken over by the Detroit-Dearborn Automobile Company.
The Saddler's Shop was converted into a residence after its sale and was used as the Dearborn Town Hall in the 1920's. Both were destroyed in 1946, to make way for public parking, and the old hand-made bricks were bought by Andy Palmer, who used them to build his Military Inn.
The Gun Carriage Shed, had a second story added in 1906, and was used as the First Headquarters of the Masonic Temple. Only part of this structure remains, and was later occupied by the Pride Cleaners.
The Arsenal Office was used first as a residence, and later as a Boot and Shoe Repair Shop, until it too was demolished in the early 1900's.
The Commandant's Quarters was used to house the Dearborn Public Library, the American Legion Hall, some City Offices, the Village Hall, and a Police Station, until it was turned into a museum in 1949. The building was completely restored to its original condition in 1959 and is primarily a military museum.
The Arsenal Proper with it's powder magazine was converted into a private residence in 1883, and later named the McFadden-Ross House, and is still used as a museum.(est 1950)
An Article of the Detroit Curier written August 1, 1833
The New Arsenal - "Yesterday we laid the corner stone to this new edifice. The occasion was improved by a large number of our citizens who were no less gratified at the sight of this rising national defense, than astonished at the magic birth and growth of some of the prettiest villages in Michigan. The Arsenal is erected at Dearbornville, on the River Rouge; a name given, we believe, in honor of General Dearborn, so well known in history of this frontier. It is under the superintendence of Lieutenant Joshua Howard, whose efficient and tasteful efforts have contributed to the advancement and beauty of the vicinity. The corner stone was laid with due ceremony at 12 o'clock. The Rev. Mr. Searle of St Paul's Church commenced with prayer. The ceremony was then performed; when Major Henry Whiting made a brief by pertinent address. At 3 o'clock a numerous collection of ladies and gentlemen partook of an excellent dinner at the invitation of Lieutenant Howard. The occasion was truly a happy one - eliciting only the best feelings and noblest sentiments. Several toasts were drunk, which we have not room to insert. We are happy however, to be able to give the address of Major Whiting. A silver plate with an inscription, together with a glass jar, containing the several addresses delivered before the Historical Society of Michigan, the newspapers of the day and the proclamation of the President of the United States of the 12th, December, 1832, were deposited under the stone.
