Gilman-Hayden House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gilman-Hayden House
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1871 Main St., East Hartford, Connecticut |
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| Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | 1784 |
| Built by | Gilman, George |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001007 |
| Added to NRHP | August 16, 1984 |
The Gilman-Hayden House is a very old and special home located at 1871 Main Street in East Hartford, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1784, making it a great example of Georgian architecture from that time. This house is also famous because it was once the home of Edward Hayden, who wrote a unique diary during the American Civil War. Because of its history and architecture, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
The Gilman-Hayden House: A Historic Home
The Gilman-Hayden House stands on a quiet, tree-lined part of Main Street in East Hartford. It's a large, two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. The outside is covered with traditional clapboard siding. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides, which is called a side-gable roof.
What Does It Look Like?
The front of the house faces east and has five windows across. The main door is in the middle and has a small, gabled porch over it. A two-story section extends from the back of the house. There is also an enclosed porch on the south side.
Inside, the house has a classic layout. A central hallway runs through the middle, with two rooms on each side on both floors. Many original features are still there. You can see old bead-board paneling, built-in cupboards, and even original iron door handles. The two front rooms, which were likely parlors, have beautiful fireplace decorations.
A Journey Through Time: The House's History
This historic house has seen many families and important events over the centuries. It tells a story of early settlers, important political figures, and even a unique look into the American Civil War.
Built by the Gilman Family
The house was built in 1784 by George Gilman. His family were some of the very first people to settle in this area. The Gilmans owned a lot of land that stretched all the way to the Connecticut River. They even ran a ferry service across the river.
The Williams Family Connection
Later, in the early 1800s, the house became home to the Williams family. One of the most famous members of this family was William Williams. He was a very important person because he signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This document announced that the American colonies were becoming a new, independent country.
Edward Hayden and His Civil War Diary
In 1867, Edward Hayden bought the house. His mother was a member of the Williams family. Edward Hayden is especially remembered for the amazing diary he kept during and after the American Civil War. This war was a major conflict in American history.
One part of Hayden's diary is very special. He wrote it on a blank diary he found that belonged to a soldier from the Confederate Army. This part of his diary gives us a rare and personal look into what happened during the war. It helps us understand the daily lives and thoughts of people during that difficult time.
