Ethan Allen House and Gun Shop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ethan Allen House and Gun Shop
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 37 Waterville St., Grafton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1833 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001167 |
| Added to NRHP | October 12, 1995 |
The Ethan Allen House and Gun Shop is a historic place in Grafton, Massachusetts. It includes the home and business of a famous gunmaker named Ethan Allen. The gun shop was built in 1833. His house was built a little later, between 1834 and 1836.
Ethan Allen was known for inventing the pepper-box revolver. He started making guns in Grafton in 1832. His business was one of the first gunmakers in the area. It played a big part in Grafton's early industrial growth. His home was built in the Greek Revival style. This style was quite unusual for the area at that time. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Who Was Ethan Allen?
Ethan Allen was born in Bellingham, Massachusetts. He is not the same person as the famous American Revolutionary War hero, also named Ethan Allen. Our Ethan Allen came to Grafton in 1831. At first, he made cutlery, like knives and forks. Soon after, he started his gun-making business.
How Did He Start His Business?
In 1832, Ethan Allen bought the land for his house and shop with his father. He bought it all by himself in 1837. To power his gun shop, he built a small dam. This dam used water from a nearby brook to run his machines.
What Did He Invent?
While working at this shop, Ethan Allen created some very important inventions. He made the first "underhammer" pistol. He also invented the first self-cocking gun. This gun had a barrel that would spin when you pulled the trigger. These inventions were very new and exciting for their time.
Where Did He Go Next?
Ethan Allen worked in his Grafton shop until 1842. Then, he moved his business to Norwich, Connecticut. His old shop in Grafton is very special. It is one of the few examples of an early 19th-century gun shop left in Massachusetts.
Images for kids
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The historic Ethan Allen House and Gun Shop.
 | Selma Burke |
 | Pauline Powell Burns |
 | Frederick J. Brown |
 | Robert Blackburn |
