Aspen Hill (Charles Town, West Virginia) facts for kids

Aspen Hill is a historic farmhouse built around 1840. It is located near Charles Town, West Virginia. This house was built by James G. Hurst, a farmer and landowner who was becoming more successful. He wanted a home that showed his growing importance in the community.

Aspen Hill is special because it sits between two types of homes common at the time. It is not as grand as the large mansions owned by very wealthy families. But it is also much nicer than the simple homes of most farmers. It shows how people in the middle class lived and built their homes during that period.

What is Aspen Hill?

Aspen Hill is a type of home called a farmhouse. In the 1800s, farmhouses were often the main building on a farm. They were where the family lived and managed their land. Aspen Hill was built to be a comfortable and respectable home for James G. Hurst and his family.

A Home for a Rising Farmer

James G. Hurst was a "middle-tier" farmer. This means he owned a good amount of land and was doing well, but he wasn't one of the richest landowners. Building a house like Aspen Hill showed that he was becoming more successful. It was a way to display his improved social standing.

The house was designed to be sturdy and practical. It also had some nice features, but it wasn't overly fancy. This balanced approach reflected Hurst's desire for a respectable home without the extreme luxury of the very wealthiest families.

Architectural Style: Greek Revival

Aspen Hill was built in the Greek Revival style. This was a very popular architectural style in the United States during the early to mid-1800s. It was inspired by the ancient Greek temples and buildings.

Key Features of Greek Revival

Greek Revival buildings often have certain features that make them easy to spot:

• Symmetry: The buildings are usually balanced, with equal parts on both sides.
• Columns: They often feature large, stately columns, especially at the entrance.
• Pediments: A triangular shape, like the roof of a Greek temple, might be seen above the entrance or windows.
• Simple, strong shapes: The style uses bold, simple lines that give a feeling of strength and dignity.

Aspen Hill shows some of these Greek Revival ideas. It has a classic, balanced look. While it might not have the grand columns of a huge mansion, its overall design follows the principles of this popular style.

Aspen Hill's Place in History

Aspen Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1980. This means it is recognized as an important historic site. It helps us understand how people lived and built homes in West Virginia during the 1800s. It also shows the different levels of wealth and social status in the community at that time.

The house stands as a reminder of the hard work and aspirations of farmers like James G. Hurst. It represents a significant part of American history and architecture.