Blackhawk Putnam Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Blackhawk Putnam Tavern
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The tavern c. 1920
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 22 North St., Houlton, Maine |
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| Area | 22 North Street |
| Built | 1813 |
| Architect | Samuel Wormwood |
| Architectural style | Federal; Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000087 |
| Added to NRHP | January 30, 1976 |
The Blackhawk Putnam Tavern is a very old and important house in Houlton, Maine, United States. It was built way back in 1813. This makes it the oldest building still standing in Aroostook County. In the mid-1800s, it was a busy tavern along a special military road. One of its owners was Blackhawk Putnam, who fought in the American Civil War. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 30, 1976.
Contents
What Does the Tavern Look Like?
The Blackhawk Putnam Tavern is on the west side of North Street, which is also United States Route 1. It is a tall, wooden building with three and a half stories. It has two brick chimneys inside. The front of the house faces east and has five windows across.
The main entrance has a porch built in the 1900s. The windows are placed evenly, with a bit more space around the middle. The building corners have wide boards. There is also a wide decorative band under the roof on the front and back.
Inside the Old House
The inside of the building follows a common design from the Federal period. This means there is a central hallway. On each floor, there are two rooms on either side of this hall. The decorations, both inside and out, mix two styles: Federal and Greek Revival.
A Home with a Long History
The tavern was built in 1813 by Samuel Wormwood. He was a skilled carpenter from Alfred, Maine. He built it for Aaron Putnam, who moved to Houlton in 1805. This was not the first house Wormwood built in Houlton. Another house he built in 1812 burned down later.
Houlton became connected to the rest of Maine by a military road. This road was finished in 1828. It is likely that the house started serving as a tavern around this time. It was probably the biggest house in the small town.
A Place for Law and Order
Before Aroostook County was formed in 1839, the house was used for court sessions. These were for Washington County. After 1839, it hosted court sessions for Aroostook County for many years.
The house was owned by John Varnum Putnam. He was the county sheriff for a long time.
The Story of Blackhawk Putnam
John Varnum Putnam had a son named Blackhawk. Blackhawk Putnam led a group of Maine volunteer soldiers. They fought in the American Civil War. The tavern is named after him.
After Blackhawk Putnam passed away, the property was used as a restaurant for a while. Today, it is a private home.
