Charlton Wallace House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Charlton Wallace House
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Front of the house
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2563 Hackberry St., Cincinnati, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| Architectural style | French Provincial |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001441 |
| Added to NRHP | January 30, 1976 |
The Charlton Wallace House is a historic home located in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States. Built in 1840, it is the oldest house in its neighborhood. It was originally constructed for a group of Catholic monks from France. These monks brought the house's special wrought iron decorations all the way from New Orleans up the Mississippi River.
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What Makes the Charlton Wallace House Special?
The Charlton Wallace House was built using a mix of stone and brick, resting on a strong stone foundation. Its design is in a unique style called French Provincial. This style mixes simple, plain features with some more artistic, "Romantic" touches. This blend is often seen in French Provincial buildings found in the United States.
A Home for the Church and School
In 1849, the house became a rectory, which is a home for a priest. It was used by the new St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. This made the house an important part of the Catholic Church's presence in the area. When a new church building was finished nearby in 1851, the parish priest moved into the house. For a while, the house also served as the parish school for the church's youngest students.
A Secret Stop on the Underground Railroad?
There's a local story that says the Charlton Wallace House might have had a secret purpose. Legend has it that a room in the back of the basement was used as a station on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses. It was used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the Northern United States and Canada during the 19th century.
Later Years and Historic Recognition
In 1877, the St. Francis de Sales parish started building a new set of church buildings on Woodburn Avenue. After these new buildings were finished, the church sold the Charlton Wallace House. It then became a private home for a family named Baumgartner.
In 1976, the Charlton Wallace House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. The house earned its spot because of its well-preserved historic architecture and its significant role in the local history of Cincinnati.
