Cookes House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cookes House
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Cookes House, November 1962
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 438–440 Cookes House Ln., York, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1761 |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Germanic and Provencial |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001182 |
| Added to NRHP | October 5, 1972 |
The Cookes House, also known as Tom Paine's House, is a very old and important building in York, Pennsylvania. It was built way back in 1761. This stone house has a unique design, mixing German and Georgian styles. It's one of the oldest buildings in York, right after the Gen. Horatio Gates House and Golden Plough Tavern.
This historic home is famous because many people believe Thomas Paine lived here. Thomas Paine was a very important writer during the American Revolution. He might have stayed here when the Second Continental Congress met in York. The Congress was a group of leaders who helped create the United States. They met in York from September 1777 to June 1778.
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A Glimpse into Cookes House History
Cookes House was built in 1761, making it over 260 years old! Imagine all the history it has seen. Around the year 1800, the house was changed into a "double house." This means it was split into two separate homes.
Why Cookes House is Special
Cookes House is important for a few reasons. First, it's one of the oldest buildings in York. It shows us what homes looked like a long time ago. Second, its connection to Thomas Paine makes it a key part of American history.
Thomas Paine and the Revolution
Thomas Paine was a writer who inspired many people during the American Revolution. He wrote famous pamphlets like Common Sense and The American Crisis. These writings encouraged colonists to fight for their freedom from Great Britain. His words were powerful and helped shape the ideas of the new United States.
It's thought that Paine lived in Cookes House while the Second Continental Congress was meeting in York. The Congress had to leave Philadelphia because British soldiers were getting close. York became the temporary capital of the new American nation during this time.
A Recognized Landmark
Because of its rich history, Cookes House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the house for future generations.
Today, the house is still a private home. The current resident is Michael Helfrich, who is the Mayor-Elect of York.
