Elkanah Watson House facts for kids
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Elkanah Watson House
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Elkanah Watson House, Port Kent, 2009
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lake and South Streets, Port Kent, New York |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1828 |
| Architect | Sheldon & Merritt |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000518 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | July 19, 1964 |
The Elkanah Watson House is a special old home located in Port Kent, New York. It was built in 1828. This house was once the home of Elkanah Watson (1758-1842). He was a very important businessman and a diplomat. Watson is most famous for starting the idea of agricultural fairs. These are like big shows where farmers can share their best animals and crops. The house was his home until he passed away. Today, it is still a private home. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
What Does the House Look Like?
The Elkanah Watson House sits on a hill. It looks out over Lake Champlain to the east. You can find it at the corner of Lake and South Streets in Port Kent. The house is a two-story building. It is made from strong, cut granite stones.
The roof is a special kind called a "truncated hip roof." This means it slopes down on all sides. In the middle of the roof, there is a small tower-like structure. This is called a belvedere. It offers great views.
The front of the house faces east. It has five window sections. The middle three sections are covered by a two-story porch. This porch has round columns that hold up a triangular roof part. This is called a pediment. You will also notice unique round windows on the first floor. On the south side of the house, there is another porch. It is a single story and allows cars to drive through. This is called a porte-cochere.
Who Was Elkanah Watson?
The Elkanah Watson House was built in 1828. It was designed by Sheldon & Merritt. Elkanah Watson's son, Charles Watson, helped build it for his father. This house was the main building on Watson's huge 5,000-acre property. Over time, parts of this land were sold off for other buildings.
Elkanah Watson moved into the house in May 1828. He also ran a farm on his land. Later, his son, Winslow C. Watson, lived there too. Winslow was a historian. He helped finish his father's autobiography. Elkanah Watson is buried in the family cemetery near the house. Most of the old farm buildings are no longer there.
Elkanah Watson was a very important person. He was a diplomat during the American Revolution. He also worked as a banker and businessman. Watson was one of the first people to suggest building canals in New York State. Canals are man-made waterways that help boats travel.
The Idea Behind Agricultural Fairs
Elkanah Watson is most famous for starting agricultural fairs. He wanted to help farmers learn from each other. He hoped these fairs would encourage them to grow better crops and raise healthier animals. He came up with this idea while living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
The story goes that he tied two special merino sheep to a tree in the town square. These sheep were unusual at the time. Many people came to see them. This gave Watson an idea. He thought, "What if we had a bigger event?" He imagined a fair where farmers could show off their animals. They could also share new farming methods and ideas. The very first agricultural fair was held in Pittsfield in 1810.
