[3] On June 6, 1825, the couple purchased 160 acres (65 ha) near their overnight camping spot, including the property on which this building now sits.

[3] The Sheldons built a Greek Revival home on their land, and the building almost immediately became an inn, serving the influx of travellers and settlers spreading westward from Detroit.

[3] South Territorial was established by legislative act, reading in part:[5] Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan, That there shall be a territorial road laid out and established commencing in the Chicago Road, at or near the Inn of Timothy S. Sheldon, in the township of Plymouth, in the county of Wayne, thence west on the most direct and eligible route, through the village of Ann Arbor, by Samuel Clements' to Grand River, where the St. Joseph Trail crosses the same, and also through the Coghwagiac and Grand praries, thence westerly on the most eligible route to, or near the Paw Paw, to the mouth of the St. Joseph River of Lake Michigan...

[4] The hamlet eventually boasted a log schoolhouse, two general stores, two churches, a cemetery, a cobbler and three blacksmiths.

The house had been altered since its construction, but still exhibited the Greek Revival cornice return detail on the side gable.