Callahan House (Milford, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Callahan House
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Callahan House, National Park Service photo
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 29, south of Milford, Dingman Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | c. 1800, c. 1820 |
| Architectural style | Dutch |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000244 |
| Added to NRHP | July 23, 1979 |
The Callahan House, also known as the Jacob Helm House, is a historic home located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You can find it south of Milford, in Dingman Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania. This old house has a rich history and a special place in American heritage.
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What is the Callahan House?
The Callahan House is a long, one-and-a-half-story building. It is covered with wooden planks called clapboard. The house has a steep, pointed roof, known as a gable roof.
How Old is the House?
The house was built in two main parts. The first part was constructed around the year 1800. About 20 years later, around 1820, the second part was added. This makes the house over 200 years old!
Unique Features of the House
The Callahan House shows off a special building style called Dutch architecture. You can see the back of its chimneys on the outside of the first floor. This is a common feature in Dutch-style homes. There is also a porch along the side of the newer part of the house.
A Secret History: The Underground Railroad
For a time, the Callahan House served as an inn. This means it was a place where travelers could stay overnight. But it's believed that the house had a much more important, secret role.
What Was the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad with trains. Instead, it was a secret network of safe houses and routes. These routes helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the northern states or Canada. People who helped were called "conductors." The safe houses were called "stations."
The Callahan House as a Station
Many people believe the Callahan House was one of these "stations" on the Underground Railroad. This means it might have offered a safe place for people seeking freedom to rest and hide. It was a crucial stop on their dangerous journey.
Becoming a Historic Place
Because of its unique architecture and important history, the Callahan House was recognized nationally.
National Register of Historic Places
On July 23, 1979, the Callahan House was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the house and its story for future generations.
