The Dearborn Inn Debuts Colonial-Style Guest Homes Honoring Iconic American Figures

Source: Autograph Collection® Hotels

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Michigan’s storied Dearborn Inn has introduced a compelling new chapter in its near-century legacy. The landmark property, originally built in 1937 by Ford Motor Company and reopened in March 2025 after an extensive renovation, now unveils the Dearborn Inn Colonial Homes: five historically inspired residences thoughtfully reimagined as 18 additional guest accommodations.

Each structure mirrors the real-life home of an American luminary — a concept first sparked by Henry Ford to honor notable personalities tied to the nation’s literary, political, and cultural narrative. Today, the debut deepens the property’s connection to American heritage while enhancing its hospitality offering under Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.

Set across the Inn’s 23-acre grounds, the new guest homes celebrate five notable figures:

• Edgar Allan Poe
  

• Walt Whitman
  

• Barbara Fritchie
  

• Patrick Henry
  

• Oliver Wolcott

Designed collaboratively by Ford Land Design, Saguez & Dash, and Kraemer Design Group, each residence serves as a replica of its historic architectural muse, blending period-inspired interpretation with modern comforts.

Interiors reference the respective personalities through color, texture, furnishings, and curated artifacts, but a continuous thread of palette and tactile materials thoughtfully links the exteriors and main hotel experience.

The replica of Poe’s Fordham cottage, once described as having “taste and gentility,” offers an intimate 986-square-foot two-floor Colonial King Suite. Forest greens, ochre, and onyx set a moody tone, balanced with metallic accents and subtle avian motifs honoring The Raven. A Writer’s Den with period-style tools nods to Poe’s creative legacy and includes a convertible Murphy bed — ideal for those hoping inspiration strikes at midnight.

Whitman’s Long Island farmhouse inspires a 1,759-square-foot residence featuring four light-filled rooms. Interiors lean toward natural textures and botanical references, inviting quiet reflection. Shelving layered with books and greenery evokes the poet’s connection to nature, while a screened-in porch encourages guests to absorb the outdoors as Whitman once did.

A folk hero of the Civil War, Barbara Fritchie’s Maryland home is reinterpreted into a 1,578-square-foot residence with three accommodations, two of which include private living spaces. Shades of red and blue salute the Union flag she famously waved, while wood accents and historical prints create an atmosphere that celebrates her resilience and patriotism.

Known for his stirring “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech, Patrick Henry’s replica is the most commanding of the collection. At 4,285 square feet, it features six guest rooms framed by rich leather furnishings, tartan textiles referencing Henry’s Scottish heritage, and animal-inspired décor reflecting his life as an avid huntsman. A graceful staircase sets a stately tone.

Modeled after his 1754 Litchfield, Connecticut home — where Wolcott once welcomed influential figures including Alexander Hamilton and George Washington — this 2,704-square-foot residence includes four keys. Historic-inspired seating, archival artwork, and Americana details suggest spirited conversation long after sunset. Its screened-in porch encourages communal gathering, echoing Wolcott’s civic focus.

Stays include access to the Inn’s full amenities:

• Two dining concepts — Clara’s Table, a farm-to-table restaurant inspired by Clara Ford, and Four Vagabonds, an intimate cocktail bar
  

• 17,000 square feet of event space
  

• Historic gardens and expansive lawns

The recent 2025 renovation introduced artifacts from the Ford Archives, historic guest memorabilia, a customized photo booth, and meaningful vintage accents that preserve the hotel’s original character while offering refreshed design and functionality.

With its blend of American heritage storytelling and contemporary comfort, the Colonial Homes expand the Dearborn Inn’s identity as not only a hotel, but a cultural touchpoint. The experience offers travelers a chance to inhabit the spirit of luminaries who shaped poetry, politics, and civic life — now translated into an immersive stay.