Elmwood (Shepherdstown, West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elmwood
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Front of Elmwood
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
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| Built | 1797 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001918 |
| Added to NRHP | August 17, 1973 |
Elmwood is a historic house located near Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It was built way back in 1797. This special house is designed in a style called Federal style. It has a long and interesting history.
Contents
What is Federal Style Architecture?
The Federal style was popular in the United States from about 1780 to 1830. This was after the American Revolution. Houses in this style often look very balanced and grand. They usually have simple, elegant decorations.
Key Features of Federal Style
- They often have a main entrance in the middle.
- Windows are usually placed in a neat, even pattern.
- Sometimes, you'll see a fancy fanlight window above the front door.
- The overall look is often symmetrical, meaning both sides are the same.
Elmwood's Story: A Glimpse into the Past
The land where Elmwood stands was first claimed in 1732. This was by a person named Edward Lucas II. His son, Edward Lucas III, was the one who built the house in 1797. Imagine living in a house that's over 200 years old!
Elmwood During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Elmwood played an important role. It was used as a field hospital. This means it was a place where injured soldiers could get medical help. Many houses and buildings were used this way during the war.
The Lucas Family Connection
The Elmwood house stayed in the Lucas family for a very long time. It was passed down through generations until 1948. That's over 150 years with the same family!
A Look Inside Elmwood
Elmwood is built from brick. It has two main floors, plus a raised basement. This means the first floor is a little bit above ground level.
Design and Details
The house has a "center-hall" design. This means there's a hallway right in the middle of the house on both floors. Rooms open up from this central hall.
- The bricks on the sides and back of the house are special. Some of them have a shiny, "glazed" look. These are called glazed headers.
- One interesting feature is a side door in the dining room. This is a bit unusual for houses of that time.
- Later, a front porch, called a portico, was added. A new front door was also put in during the 1800s.
Elmwood is a great example of early American architecture and history.
