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 house near Bethany, West Virginia. It is also called the Campbell Mansion or Alexander Campbell House. This historic home was built in 1793. It was later made bigger many times.
It became the home of a famous minister named Alexander Campbell in 1811. He moved in after he got married. Campbell was known as the "sage of Bethany." He was a very important leader in the Restoration Movement. This was a big religious movement in the United States. It started around 1812. This movement led to the creation of many churches. These include the Disciples of Christ and Churches of Christ.
Today, the house is a museum. Bethany College takes care of it. Alexander Campbell started this college in 1840. The mansion was named a National Historic Landmark in 1994. This means it is a very important historical place.
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What is the Campbell Mansion Like?
The Campbell Mansion is just east of Bethany. It sits on land that West Virginia Route 67 crosses. The main house and other buildings are on the north side of the road. On the south side, you can find a small cemetery. There is also an orchard that belonged to the Campbell family.
How Old is the Campbell Mansion?
The main house is a large, two-and-a-half-story wooden building. It has many parts added to its middle section. The first part of the house was built in 1793. John Brown built it. He was Alexander Campbell's future father-in-law. This part of the house shows a high-quality building style. It was very fancy for a rural area back then.
How Did the House Change Over Time?
The house first 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, from 1836 to 1840, another part was added. 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. He joined his father, Thomas Campbell, in western Pennsylvania. Both became religious ministers. Alexander married Margaret Brown in this very house in 1811.
The Campbells were very important religious leaders. They helped start the Restoration Movement in the 1820s. Alexander Campbell founded Bethany College in 1840. He was its president until he passed away. Students from Bethany College went on to start many new schools and churches. They spread across the country.
Who Owns the Mansion Today?
The Campbell family owned the property until 1913. The next owner gave the house and its furniture to a memorial 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. The college offers tours of the house. You can visit and learn about its history.
See also
