Elihu Root House facts for kids
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Elihu Root House
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 101 College Hill Road, Clinton, New York |
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| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | 1817/1893 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000893 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
The Elihu Root House is a special historic home located on the campus of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. This house was built way back in 1817. It became the home of a very important American leader named Elihu Root (1847-1937) starting in 1893. He lived there until he passed away. Because of its history and connection to Elihu Root, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
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Who Was Elihu Root?
Elihu Root was born and grew up very close to this house. He later made it his own home as an adult. He went to Hamilton College and then studied law at the New York University School of Law.
Root held many important jobs in the United States government. He worked as a lawyer for the government in New York. He also helped write the rules for New York State.
Helping the Country
President William McKinley chose Elihu Root to be the Secretary of War in 1899. He continued in this role under President Theodore Roosevelt. As Secretary of War, Root made many big changes to the American Army. He helped create the U.S. Army War College. This school helps train future military leaders. He also set up the General Staff, which helps plan and coordinate military operations.
After that, Root became the Secretary of State from 1905 to 1909. In this job, he worked hard to make relationships better with other countries. He improved ties with Japan and with countries in Latin America. Root also strongly supported the idea of a World Court. This court would help solve problems between countries peacefully.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
For all his work in promoting peace and improving international relations, Elihu Root won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912. After leaving the President's cabinet, he served as a United States Senator for New York.
The House's Story
The Elihu Root House was sometimes called the Grant House. This was because Elihu Root's daughter, Edith, married Ulysses S. Grant III. The Grant family lived in the house after Elihu Root passed away.
Building and Changes
The main part of the house was built in 1817. It was designed in the Federal style, which was a popular style for buildings in early America. It was first built for a professor at Hamilton College.
By the time Elihu Root bought the house in 1893, it had already changed a lot. A long dormitory had been added when it was used as a college boardinghouse. It also had Victorian-style porches and a new staircase. The part of the house on the east side was made taller, going from one story to two.
After Mr. Root bought the house, he made his own changes. He replaced the Victorian porches with new ones that matched the house's original style better. He also added a beautiful covered entrance, called a portico, on the east side. He built rooms for servants at the back of the house. Mr. Root truly considered this house his home until he died in 1937.
A Historic Landmark
In 1972, the Elihu Root House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was also named a National Historic Landmark. At that time, it was still owned by Elihu Root's family.
The Elihu Root House is located right on the campus of Hamilton College. Elihu Root had strong ties to the college throughout his life. Hamilton College bought the house in 1979, and it remains an important part of the campus today.
