Benjamin Ellsworth House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Benjamin Ellsworth House
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The Benjamin Ellsworth House viewed from the southeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 100 U.S. Route 14, Utica, Minnesota |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1873 |
| Architect | Benjamin Ellsworth |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001718 |
| Designated | August 9, 1984 |
The Benjamin Ellsworth House is a special old home in Utica, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1873. This house belonged to Benjamin Ellsworth, who was the person who started the town of Utica!
The house is important because it shows us what homes looked like a long time ago. It's also special because of its connection to Benjamin Ellsworth. Because of its history and unique style, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's a building worth protecting for future generations.
Who Was Benjamin Ellsworth?
Benjamin Ellsworth was born in 1826 and passed away in 1890. He was a very important person for the town of Utica. He was the founder, which means he helped start the community.
Founders like Benjamin Ellsworth often helped plan the town. They might have set up the first businesses or helped people settle there. His house was built in 1873, showing his strong connection to the town he helped create.
What is Italianate Architecture?
The Benjamin Ellsworth House is built in a style called Italianate architecture. This style was popular in the United States from about 1840 to 1885. It was inspired by the beautiful country homes found in Italy.
You can often spot Italianate houses by a few key features:
- They usually have a low, flat roof or a very gently sloped roof.
- The eaves (the part of the roof that hangs over the walls) are often wide and have decorative brackets. These are like fancy supports.
- Windows are often tall and narrow, sometimes with decorative crowns above them.
- The house might have a square tower or cupola (a small dome-like structure) on top.
The Benjamin Ellsworth House shows many of these classic Italianate features. It's a great example of this architectural style.
Why is the House Important Today?
The Benjamin Ellsworth House is important for a couple of reasons. First, it tells us about the history of Utica. It shows us where the town's founder lived. It helps us understand how the town grew.
Second, the house is a wonderful example of Italianate architecture. It has kept its original design very well. This means we can still see how homes were built and decorated in the late 1800s. It's like a living history lesson!
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means the house is recognized as a significant part of American history. It helps make sure that this piece of the past is preserved.
