Andrew Rabb House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Andrew Rabb House
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![]() The house in September 2014
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Location | Off Pennsylvania Route 166 north of Masontown, German Township, Pennsylvania |
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Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
Built | 1794 |
Architectural style | vernacular Georgian |
MPS | Whiskey Rebellion Resources in Southwestern Pennsylvania MPS |
NRHP reference No. | 92001497 |
Added to NRHP | November 12, 1992 |
The Andrew Rabb House is a special old home located in German Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It was built a very long time ago, in 1773. This house is important because of its history and its connection to a significant event called the Whiskey Rebellion.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it's recognized as a place worth protecting because of its historical value.
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Exploring the Andrew Rabb House
The Andrew Rabb House is a two-and-a-half-story building made of stone. It has five sections, or "bays," on its front. The house was built in a style called "vernacular Georgian." This means it uses some ideas from the popular Georgian style of architecture, but it's simpler and more practical for the local area. The house is about 44 feet long and 24 feet wide.
Who Was Andrew Rabb?
Andrew Rabb was a very important person in his community during the late 1700s. He was born around 1740 and passed away in 1804. Andrew Rabb was known as a distiller. A distiller is someone who makes alcoholic drinks, like whiskey, from grains.
He played a big role in the Whiskey Rebellion in Fayette County. This was a time when farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania protested against a new tax on whiskey.
The Whiskey Rebellion Explained
The Whiskey Rebellion was a major event in early American history. After the American Revolutionary War, the new United States government needed money. In 1791, the government decided to put a tax on whiskey. For many farmers in western Pennsylvania, whiskey was an important product. They often turned their extra grain into whiskey because it was easier to transport and sell.
The farmers felt this tax was unfair. They believed it hurt their livelihoods. Andrew Rabb was one of the local leaders who spoke out against this tax. The protests became very strong, and some people even used violence.
Why the Rebellion Mattered
The Whiskey Rebellion was a big test for the new American government. President George Washington decided that the government needed to show it could enforce its laws. He led a large group of soldiers to western Pennsylvania to stop the rebellion. This was the first time a U.S. president personally led troops to deal with a domestic uprising.
The rebellion eventually ended without a major battle. It showed that the new federal government had the power to keep order and make sure its laws were followed. Andrew Rabb's house stands as a reminder of this important time in American history.