The history behind many of Michigan’s most recognizable estates is truly epic. When it came to the homes of automotive tycoons, lumber barons and other chiefs of industry, these guys dreamed BIG and spared no expense in moving into their dream homes. Here are but a few of some of Michigan’s historic houses.

16) The Brinkerhoff-Becker House, Ypsilanti
By Andrew Jameson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Brinkerhoff-Becker House, also known as the Becker-Stachlewitz House, was built between 1863 and 1869, this private estate was purchased by Charles J. Becker in 1889. In 1891, the home was remodedled to include a helmet-domed tower.
15) Brooks Farmhouse, Troy
"BrooksFarmhouseTroyMi" by Andrew Jameson - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Washington Stanley, a pioneer of Troy, and his descendents called his home between 1826 and 1911. The house is now used as the headquarters of the Kresge Foundation.
14) John Chambers House, St. Ignace
"John Chambers House St Ignace MI 2009" by Andrew Jameson - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Irish immigrant John Chambers built this house in 1870 and when his family fortune ballooned, it was remodeled in 1910 to include a Colonial Revival front section.
13) Solomon S. Curry House, Ironwood
By Sa magnuson33 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The president of Metropolitan Iron and Land Company, Solomon S. Curry built this Queen Anne house.
12) G.W. Jones House, Marcellus
By Michael Tomko (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This house was built in 1888 for George Washington Jones, founder of Marcellus.
11) Hecker House, Detroit
"Hecker House - Detroit Michigan" by Andrew Jameson at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Col. Frank J. Hecker, founder of the Peninsular Car Company, had this lavish, 49-room mansion built in 1888.
10) Henry Ford Square House, Garden City
"Henry Ford Square House" by Andrew Jameson - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Henry Ford built this four-room house by hand for he and his new bride, Clara.
9) Henry Richardi House, Bellaire
By Mmeczarnik (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Late 19th-century lumber baron Henry Richardi had this home built. It operates as the "Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast."
8) Hughes House, Elk Rapids
"Hughes House Elk Rapids Michigan 2011" by Royalbroil - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Constructed around 1868, this home served as a guest house, this property is located on a stagecoach road between Traverse City and Petoskey.
7) Daniel Striker House, Hastings
Constructed in the 1880s for politician and banker Daniel Striker, this home was once considered "the handsomest residence in Hastings."
6) Frankfort Land Co. House, Frankfort
5) Hebard Ford House, Pequaming
4) Jared H. Gay Log House, Crystal Valley
3) John Carveth House, Middleville
2) Shriner Ketcham House, Hastings
1) David Whitney House, Detroit
"The Whitney" by Andrew Jameson at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Now a fancy restaurant, the David Whitney House was built between 1890 and 1894 as the home of lumber baron David Whitney Jr.

Some of these homes are grander in size than others, but that’s does not make them any less historically significant. Tell us, which historic homes in your community stand out in your mind?

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