Byers Homestead

Two generations of the Byers family have resided at this site, said to be the home of the first white settler in Commerce Township. Abraham Walrod came here in 1825 from New York State and built a log cabin in what is now the village of Commerce. The present Early Victorian frame house erected prior to 1850 replaced the cabin. Now a country store, the barn is believed to have been a blacksmith shop. Other buildings on these grounds include a chicken coop and pantry. Traversed by the Huron River, the area attracted settlers, many of whom came westward via the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825. Inhabitants named their village Commerce hoping that its early growth would signal the beginning of a business center. Now a quiet residential village, the community features this picturesque and historic homestead.