Edward King House facts for kids
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Edward King House
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Front elevation and south profile, 2008
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| Location | 35 King Street Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1845-47 |
| Architect | Richard Upjohn |
| Architectural style | "Italian Villa"/Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000024 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | December 30, 1970 |
The Edward King House is a very old and important house in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built a long time ago, between 1845 and 1847. A famous architect named Richard Upjohn designed it for Edward King. This house is special because it was one of the first homes in the United States built in a style called "Italian Villa." When it was finished, it was the biggest and grandest house in Newport!
The Edward King House: A Special Historic Home
The Edward King House stands at 35 King Street in Newport. It was built for Edward King, who became the largest landowner in Newport by 1860. He made his money through the Old China Trade, which was a business of trading goods with China.
What Makes Its Design Unique?
The house is made of brick. It has a unique shape, meaning one side doesn't perfectly mirror the other. This is called "asymmetrical massing." You'll also notice its windows have rounded tops, known as "arched window heads." A tall, three-story tower is another key feature.
This house was the very first time architect Richard Upjohn used the "Italian Villa" style. Many of these design ideas, like the arched windows and towers, later became common in a style called Italianate architecture.
A famous writer named Andrew Jackson Downing wrote about the house in his 1850 book, The Architecture of Country Houses. He even included a drawing and plans of the house. Downing said it was "one of the most successful specimens of the Italian style in the United States." He admired how the different window sizes and shapes still looked harmonious together.
A House with Many Lives
In 1912, Edward King's son gave the house to the city of Newport. For many years, it was home to the Newport Public Library. Today, the Edward King House is a busy senior citizens' center. It's called The Newport Senior Center at the Edward King House.
Because of its historical importance, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1970. It was also named a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970. This means it's recognized as a place of great national significance. Another famous house, Kenworthy Hall in the Southern United States, was designed by Upjohn ten years later and is also a National Historic Landmark.
