George Perkins Marsh Boyhood Home facts for kids
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George Perkins Marsh Boyhood Home
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, Vermont |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1805 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| Part of | Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (ID03000282) |
| NRHP reference No. | 67000023 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 11, 1967 |
| Designated NHL | June 11, 1967 |
| Designated CP | August 26, 1992 |
The George Perkins Marsh Boyhood Home, also known as the Marsh-Billings House, is a very important building in Woodstock, Vermont. It's the main part of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
This house was built in 1805 and made bigger many times. It's special because it was the childhood home of George Perkins Marsh (1801–1882). He was one of the first people to speak up for protecting nature. Later, in the 1800s, it was home to Frederick H. Billings (1823–1890). He was a successful businessman and helped start the Northern Pacific Railroad.
The house is also famous for its beautiful Queen Anne style of architecture. Frederick Billings hired Henry Hudson Holley to design the changes. In 1967, the house and its gardens became a National Historic Landmark. In 1992, Mary French Rockefeller and Laurance Rockefeller gave the 550-acre (220 ha) estate to the people of the United States. Mary was Frederick Billings' granddaughter.
Contents
The House's Story: A Look Back in Time
Early Days and the Marsh Family
The main part of the house was built in 1805 by Charles Marsh. He was a well-known lawyer in Vermont. The house was a typical two-story home in the Federal style. Charles Marsh raised his family here.
His son, George Perkins Marsh, was born in Woodstock in 1801. George grew up in this house before he went to Dartmouth College at age sixteen. Like his father, George Marsh became a lawyer and went into politics. He was elected to Congress in 1834. Later, he worked for Presidents John Tyler and Abraham Lincoln in other countries.
George Perkins Marsh: A Champion for Nature
Between the 1830s and 1860s, George Marsh developed important ideas about how people should take care of the land. His ideas helped start the conservation movement in the United States. This movement is all about protecting natural resources.
In 1864, he wrote a famous book called Man and Nature. In this book, he explained how past societies had failed because they didn't take care of their environment. He also suggested ways to fix these problems and protect nature. George Marsh passed away in 1882. He didn't get to see all his ideas come true, but his work was very important.
Frederick Billings: New Owners and Big Changes
In 1869, Frederick H. Billings bought the Marsh estate. It was about 246 acres (100 ha) at that time. Billings was from Royalton, Vermont. He became very rich as a lawyer during the California Gold Rush. He also helped start the Northern Pacific Railroad and was its president from 1873 to 1881.
Between 1869 and 1881, Billings made big changes to the house. First, he added a new section and a special roof called a mansard roof. Later, he hired architect Henry Hudson Holley. Holley completely changed the house into the fancy Queen Anne Victorian style you see today.
Billings also created a special farm on the property. He wanted it to be a perfect example of a working farm. Today, this farm is a living history museum next to the national park. Billings also built 14 miles (23 km) of roads for carriages through the higher parts of the estate.
The Rockefeller Family and the National Park
The next important owners were Mary French Rockefeller and her husband Laurance Rockefeller. Mary was Frederick Billings' granddaughter. Laurance Rockefeller was a key advisor on conservation to several U.S. presidents.
In 1992, Laurance Rockefeller gave the house and the upland parts of the property to the American people. This was the same year the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park was created.
The house and 40 acres (16 ha) of land around it were named a National Historic Landmark in 1967. This was because of its connection to George Perkins Marsh and Frederick Billings. It was also recognized for being a great example of Queen Anne architecture.
Today, you can take guided tours of the house from May to October. There is a fee, and it's a good idea to make reservations because tour groups are small.
