Fort Hunter Historic District facts for kids
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Fort Hunter Historic District
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Frame barn across Old 22 from the McAllister House
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 22, Fort Hunter, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Built | 1760 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Georgian, High Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002216 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 17, 1979 |
The Fort Hunter Historic District is a special place in Fort Hunter, Pennsylvania. It's like a time capsule that shows how people lived long ago. This area has been settled since the early 1700s. It was once the site of an important fort and army camp.
Today, the district includes several old buildings, historical sites, and even parts of an old canal. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it's recognized as a very important historical area in the United States.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, objects, and sites that are important because of their history or architecture. They often share a common past or style. The Fort Hunter Historic District covers about 32 acres. It helps us understand what life was like many years ago.
A Look Back in Time at Fort Hunter
The history of Fort Hunter goes way back to the early 1700s. It was a busy place where people lived and worked.
The Original Fort
Long ago, there was a fort here. It was built to protect settlers in the area. This fort also served as a supply post for soldiers. It played a key role in the early days of Pennsylvania. Today, you can still find the remains of this old fort.
The Pennsylvania Canal
Another important part of the district is the Pennsylvania Canal. Canals were like man-made rivers. They were used to transport goods and people across the state. A section of this old canal runs through the Fort Hunter Historic District. It reminds us how people traveled and traded before trains and cars.
Buildings and Sites to Explore
The Fort Hunter Historic District has many interesting buildings and places. Each one tells a part of the story of this area.
The McAllister House
One of the most famous buildings is the Archibald McAllister House. This house is so important that it's listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a great example of old architecture.
Farm Buildings
You can also see several old farm buildings. These include a large frame barn built in 1876. There's also a corn crib, which was used to store corn. A farm house and a stone stable barn show what a working farm looked like.
Other Important Structures
The district also has a spring house. This building was used to keep food cool before refrigerators existed. There's an old blacksmith shop where metal tools were made. You can also find an ice house, which stored ice cut from rivers in winter. The Hunter's House, also known as the Old Hotel, is another interesting building.
Archaeological Sites
Besides the buildings, there are several archaeological sites. These are places where experts dig to find old artifacts. They help us learn more about the fort, the army garrison, and Hunter's Mill. The canal's archaeological site also gives clues about its past.
Why is Fort Hunter Important?
Fort Hunter Historic District is important for many reasons. It helps us learn about early American history. It shows us how people lived, worked, and traveled centuries ago. By preserving these sites, we can understand our past better. It's a great place to visit and imagine life in a different time.
