Barns-Brinton House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Barns-Brinton House
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![]() Originally the front of the Barns-Brinton House, this became the rear when U.S. Route 1 was moved behind it.
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Location | East of Hamorton on U.S. Route 1, Pennsbury Township, Pennsylvania |
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Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
Built | 1714 |
NRHP reference No. | 71000692 |
Added to NRHP | May 27, 1971 |
The Barns-Brinton House is a historic brick house found in Pennsbury Township, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1714 by William Barns. For a while, starting in 1722, William Barns used the house as a tavern. A tavern was like an inn or restaurant where travelers could stop for food, drinks, and a place to sleep. This important house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
Contents
The Barns-Brinton House Story
Early Days as a Tavern
The Barns-Brinton House was built in 1714 by William Barns. He opened it as a tavern in 1722. Taverns were very important places back then. They were often the center of community life. People would gather there to share news, trade goods, and rest during their travels. William Barns ran his tavern until he passed away in 1731.
A House in Wartime
After William Barns, the house and its land were sold to new owners. One of these owners was James Brinton. He owned the house during a very important time in American history: the American Revolutionary War. In 1777, the house was in danger. A group of soldiers called Hessians were marching nearby. These were German soldiers fighting for the British. Their leader, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, was on his way to the Battle of Brandywine. This was a major battle during the war. The Barns-Brinton House stood right in the path of these troops.
From Family Home to Museum
The Brinton family owned the house until 1859. After that, it had a few different owners. In 1969, the Chadds Ford Historical Society bought the property. They worked hard to restore the house to how it looked long ago. Because of its history, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Visiting the Barns-Brinton House Today
Today, the Chadds Ford Historical Society owns and takes care of the Barns-Brinton House. It is now a historic house museum. This means you can visit it and learn about life in the 1700s. You can see how people lived and worked in a historic tavern. The society also manages another historic home nearby, the John Chads House.