Federal Row facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Federal Row
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Federal Row—looking east, April 2013
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 146-162 E. 5th St.; 424-430 Holland St., Erie, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.7 acres (0.28 ha) |
| Built | 1823-1842 |
| Built by | David Kennedy |
| Architectural style | Federal, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003355 |
| Added to NRHP | May 17, 1984 |
Federal Row is a special group of five historic houses located in Erie, Pennsylvania. These buildings are important because they show us what homes looked like a long time ago. They were built between 1823 and 1842.
The five houses are:
- The Charles M. Tibbals House (built in 1842)
- The Alexander Brewster House (built in 1823)
- The Kennedy Row House (built in 1836)
- The David Kennedy House (built in 1832)
- The Kennedy Double House (built in 1840)
These houses are mostly made of brick. They are usually two or two-and-a-half stories tall. They have gently sloped roofs. Their designs mix two old and popular styles: Federal and Greek Revival.
Because these buildings are so important to history, Federal Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This list helps protect places that are important to American history.
Contents
What is Federal Row?
Federal Row is a collection of five unique houses. They are all found in the city of Erie, Pennsylvania. Each house has its own story and was built at a different time. Together, they create a picture of how people lived in the 1800s.
The Houses of Federal Row
Each house in Federal Row has a special name. They were often named after the first important person who lived there or the builder.
- Charles M. Tibbals House: This house was built in 1842. It is one of the newer homes in the group.
- Alexander Brewster House: This is the oldest house in Federal Row, built way back in 1823.
- Kennedy Row House: Built in 1836, this house is part of the Kennedy family's building projects.
- David Kennedy House: David Kennedy was an important builder in Erie. He built this house in 1832.
- Kennedy Double House: This house was finished in 1840. It might have been designed for two families or had a special layout.
Architectural Styles
The houses in Federal Row show off two main types of building styles from the past.
- Federal Style: This style was popular in the United States from about 1780 to 1830. It often features simple, elegant designs. You might see balanced windows and doors.
- Greek Revival Style: This style became popular a bit later, from about 1825 to 1860. It was inspired by ancient Greek temples. Buildings in this style often have grand columns and simple, strong shapes.
Why is Federal Row Important?
Federal Row is important for several reasons. It helps us understand the history of Erie, Pennsylvania. It also shows how architecture changed over time.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it is recognized as a special part of our country's past. Federal Row was added to this list in 1987. This helps make sure these old houses are protected and cared for.
Gallery
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Federal Row—looking west, Erie, Pennsylvania, April 2013
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Tibbals House, Federal Row, April 2013
