Hamilton Hall (Salem, Massachusetts) facts for kids
|
Hamilton Hall
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
.jpg)
Hamilton Hall
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 9 Chestnut St., Salem, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1805 |
| Architect | Samuel McIntire |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Chestnut Street District (ID73000312) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000543 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 30, 1970 |
| Designated CP | August 28, 1973 |
Hamilton Hall is a very old and important building in Salem, Massachusetts. It's located at 9 Chestnut Street. This building is so special that it's called a National Historic Landmark.
A famous builder from Salem, Samuel McIntire, designed it. It was built between 1805 and 1807. Hamilton Hall is a great example of a "Federal style" building. This style was popular in the United States after the American Revolution.
The hall was made to be a social place for important families in Salem. It was named after Alexander Hamilton. He was one of the "Founding Fathers" and a leader of the early Federalist Party. Today, Hamilton Hall is still used for many social events. People hold private parties, weddings, and lectures there.
Contents
What Does Hamilton Hall Look Like?
Hamilton Hall is a three-story building made of brick. It stands at the corner of Chestnut and Cambridge Streets. The bricks are laid in a special pattern called "Flemish bond."
The front of the building faces Cambridge Street. It has five sections, or "bays." The main entrance is in the middle. It has two doors and a porch added around 1845. This porch has a flat roof. It is held up by two "Doric columns" at each corner.
The long side of the building faces Chestnut Street. The first floor has six sections. Five of these are windows, and one is a door. The upper part of this side has five large "Palladian windows." These windows are set into slightly curved arches.
Above each of these windows, there is a decorated panel. These decorations were carved by Samuel McIntire himself. The four outer panels have a "swag" design. This looks like a draped piece of fabric. The middle panel has an eagle and a shield.
Building History and Use
A group of wealthy merchant families in Salem paid for Hamilton Hall to be built. They were part of the Federalist Party. The building cost $22,000, which was a lot of money back then!
Originally, there were shops on the ground floor. These shops sold things that people might need for events happening upstairs.
The second floor has a large ballroom. This room is special because it has a curved balcony. It also has a "sprung floor." This type of floor is built to be a bit bouncy. It makes dancing more comfortable and fun!
Why is Hamilton Hall Important?
Hamilton Hall was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year.
The building is part of a larger area called the Chestnut Street District. This district is known for its beautiful old buildings. Many of them were designed by Samuel McIntire. Hamilton Hall helps make this area special.
Images for kids
-
Sign on northern facade noting architect and date
-
Salem in 1820
See also
In Spanish: Hamilton Hall (Salem, Massachusetts) para niños
