George Douglas House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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George Douglas House
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1738 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000006 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1975 |
The George Douglas House is a very old and important home located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. You can find it where Tower Hill and Gilbert Stuart Roads meet. The oldest part of this house was built way back in the 1730s. It is special because it is one of the few remaining "stone ender" houses from the colonial era in Rhode Island.
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Exploring the George Douglas House
The George Douglas House is a great example of early American homes. It shows us how people lived and built houses nearly 300 years ago.
What is a Stone Ender House?
A "stone ender" house is a unique type of building from the colonial period. These homes are known for having one entire end made of a massive stone chimney. This chimney was built from large fieldstones, which are rocks found in fields. It was the main source of heat and cooking for the family. The George Douglas House has a huge stone chimney at its north end.
The House's Design and Features
The original part of the George Douglas House is two stories tall. It has three "bays," which means it has three main sections or windows across the front. The outside of the house is quite simple. It doesn't have a lot of fancy decorations.
There are a few special touches, though:
- Pilasters: These are flat, column-like shapes on either side of the main front door. They look like columns but don't stick out much.
- Pediment: Above the main entrance, there's a triangular shape called a pediment. It adds a touch of classic style.
How the House Grew Over Time
Over the years, the George Douglas House got bigger.
- Early 1800s: A small kitchen area was added to the north side of the house. This addition was built right next to the big stone chimney, which you can still see from the outside.
- 1940s: Later, in the 1940s, another room was added. This was a bedroom that made the kitchen area even longer. These additions show how families changed and needed more space over time.
A National Historic Landmark
The George Douglas House is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is listed, it means it's recognized as a special part of our country's heritage. It helps protect these places and makes sure they can be enjoyed by future generations.
