Commodore Oliver Perry Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Commodore Oliver Perry Farm
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | South Kingstown, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 21 acres (8.5 ha) |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000020 |
| Added to NRHP | August 26, 1982 |
The Commodore Oliver Perry Farm is a special old farm located on U.S. Route 1 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. This historic property covers about 250 acres of beautiful fields and woodlands. It sits on the west side of the road.
The main part of the farm includes an old wooden house, a barn (which is now used as a home), a caretaker's house, and other smaller buildings. You can reach these buildings by following a winding private road.
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A Home for Heroes
This farm is very important because of its connection to the famous Perry family. Two well-known members of this family lived here. They were Oliver Hazard Perry and Matthew C. Perry.
Oliver Hazard Perry's Legacy
Oliver Hazard Perry was a brave officer in the United States Navy. He is famous for leading the American forces to victory in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. This was a very important battle during the War of 1812.
It's believed that Oliver Hazard Perry might have been born right on this farm. The land belonged to his grandfather. Later, in 1814, Oliver Hazard Perry bought the property himself. He may have built the main house that stands there today. It was likely built on the spot where his grandfather's home once stood.
Matthew C. Perry's Connection
Another important family member was Admiral Matthew C. Perry. He was Oliver Hazard Perry's younger brother. Matthew C. Perry is famous for his role in the Opening of Japan in 1854. This event helped open Japan to trade with the rest of the world.
In 1865, George Tiffany bought the farm. He was Matthew Perry's son-in-law. For many years, the farm was rented out to different people.
The Farm's Changing Look
The main house on the farm has a unique two-story roof style called a gambrel roof. We're not completely sure when it was first built. Some think it was around 1785, while others believe it was closer to 1815.
Over the years, the house has been changed quite a bit. In the late 1920s, George Tiffany's widow decided to "restore" the house. She wanted it to look like a romantic old Colonial-style home. For a while, it was even open as a museum. People could visit to learn about the two famous Perry brothers.
Later, the house needed more work. In 1944 and 1945, new private owners fixed it up again.
A Recognized Landmark
Because of its rich history and connection to the Perry family, a 21-acre part of the farm was officially recognized. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's considered an important historical site in the United States.
