Hackley House / Hackley House

This three-story, wood frame building is one of Michigan’s most splendid examples of Queen Anne architecture. With juxtaposition of masses created by roof lines, chimneys, tower, and porte-cochere it has become a symbol of Muskegon. Fifteen stained glass windows add to the elegance of the structure, and the interior decoration includes hand-stenciled walls and ceilings, carved woodwork and seven tiled fireplaces. The house is testimony to Hackley’s wealth, and to an era when Muskegon was known as “Lumber Queen of the World.” Charles H. Hackley (1837-1905) came to Muskegon in 1857. Though he had only seven dollars when he arrived, he was worth twelve million dollars at the time of his death. He made his fortune in lumber, and when lumber declined, he administered the Chamber of Commerce program that rebuilt Muskegon into a center of industry. His gifts and endowments to the community totalled over six million dollars and supported parks, statuary, schools, local churches, a hospital, and a public library.