Col. Edward Cook House facts for kids
The Col. Edward Cook House is a very old and important home located in Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA. It was built a long time ago, between 1772 and 1776, which means it was standing during the American Revolutionary War! This house is a special piece of history that helps us understand what life was like in Pennsylvania centuries ago.
Contents
The Historic Cook House
This amazing stone house was built by Colonel Edward Cook himself. It's a two-story building, meaning it has two main floors. The house is made of strong stone and has a rectangular shape. It also has a smaller, one-story section that was used as a kitchen.
What Makes It Special?
The main part of the house is about 36 feet long and 28 feet wide. The kitchen wing is a bit smaller, measuring 24 feet by 20 feet. The roof has a gentle slope, and the edges of the roof (called the cornice) are simple and neat. On the property, there are also two other old buildings: a smoke house and a wash house. These smaller buildings were important for daily life back then, used for preserving food and washing clothes.
A Look Inside the House
Imagine living in a house built before the United States was even officially a country! The Col. Edward Cook House gives us a peek into the past. Its sturdy stone walls and classic design show how homes were built in the late 1700s. It's a great example of early American architecture in Pennsylvania.
Who Was Colonel Edward Cook?
Colonel Edward Cook was a very important person in early Pennsylvania history. He was not just a builder; he was also a military officer and a politician. During the time the house was built, the American colonies were fighting for their independence from Great Britain. People like Colonel Cook played a big part in shaping the new nation. He helped establish the community and was a leader in his area.
Preserving History
Because of its age and historical importance, the Col. Edward Cook House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This is a special list kept by the United States government. When a building or place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of American history and culture. Being on the National Register helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them.