Alexander Campbell Mansion facts for kids
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Campbell Mansion
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front of the mansion
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| Nearest city | Bethany, West Virginia |
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| Area | 8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1793 |
| Part of | Bethany Historic District (ID82004311) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000651 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHLD | April 19, 1994 |
| Designated CP | April 1, 1982 |
The Alexander Campbell Mansion is a very old and important house. It is located near Bethany, West Virginia. The house was built in 1793. It became the home of a famous religious leader named Alexander Campbell. He lived here after he got married in 1811.
Campbell was a key figure in a religious movement. This movement led to the creation of many churches. He also started Bethany College in 1840. Today, the mansion is a museum. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
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About the Campbell Mansion
The Campbell Mansion is just east of Bethany. It sits on land that crosses West Virginia Route 67. The main house and other buildings are on the north side of the road. A small cemetery and an orchard are on the south side. These areas were important to the Campbell family.
What the House Looks Like
The main house is a large, two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of wood. The middle part of the house has been added to over time. John Brown, Alexander Campbell's future father-in-law, built this central part in 1793. It was a very well-built house for its time.
Originally, the house had a porch on its west side. Alexander Campbell enclosed this porch in 1819. He added a second story to it. This new space was used as a dormitory for his seminary students. Later, between 1836 and 1840, another part was added to the right side. This was done to make room for all the visitors Campbell often had.
Near the house, there is a small, six-sided stone building. Campbell used this building as his library and office.
Who Was Alexander Campbell?
Alexander Campbell was born in Ireland. He came to the United States in 1809. Here, he joined his father, Thomas Campbell, as a religious minister. They worked in western Pennsylvania.
Alexander married Margaret Brown in this very house in 1811. Both Alexander and Thomas Campbell were very important religious leaders. They helped start the Restoration Movement in the 1820s. This movement changed how many churches were formed.
Campbell founded Bethany College in 1840. He was the president of the college until he passed away. Many students who graduated from Bethany College went on to start new schools and churches across the country.
The Mansion Today
The Campbell family owned the property until 1913. The next owner gave the house and its furniture to a special group in 1920. This group worked with Bethany College to take care of the property. Now, Bethany College is fully in charge of the mansion.
You can take guided tours of the house. There is a small fee to enter. It's a great way to learn about history!
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