Hopkins House (Tecumseh, Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hopkins House
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 Location in Kansas
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| Location | Tecumseh, Kansas |
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| Area | 5.9 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1859, 1920 |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001353 |
| Added to NRHP | January 16, 2009 |
The Hopkins House is an old and important building located in Tecumseh, Kansas, USA. It's not just one building, but a group of structures that tell a story. The main house and a barn were both built around 1859. Later, a small coal shed was added around 1920.
This house is special for a few reasons. It shows a rare style of building for Kansas. It also connects us to the life of an early settler named Eli Hopkins. Plus, it helps us understand the history of Kansas when it was still a territory. Because it's so important, the Hopkins House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2009. This means it's recognized as a place worth protecting for future generations.
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What Makes the Hopkins House Special?
The Hopkins House is a great example of history. It helps us learn about how people lived a long time ago. The house and its other buildings are like a time capsule. They show us what life was like in Kansas during its early days.
A Unique Building Style
The main house is built in a style called Greek Revival. This style was popular in the United States in the mid-1800s. It often looks like ancient Greek temples, with strong, simple shapes. The Hopkins House is made of limestone, which is a type of rock. It has brick chimneys and a wooden porch. This style is quite rare for Kansas, especially for homes built so early. This makes the Hopkins House very unique.
The Story of Eli Hopkins
The house is named after Eli Hopkins, an early settler in Kansas. A settler is someone who moves to a new area to live and build a community. Eli Hopkins played a part in the early history of Tecumseh. His home shows us how pioneers lived and built their lives in new territories. Learning about people like Eli Hopkins helps us understand the challenges and triumphs of settling new lands.
A Glimpse into Kansas History
The Hopkins House reflects the history of territorial Kansas. Before Kansas became a state in 1861, it was a territory. This means it was an area of land controlled by the United States government but not yet a full state. During this time, many people moved to Kansas. They came to start new lives and build communities. The Hopkins House, built in 1859, was part of this exciting and sometimes challenging period. It stands as a reminder of the people who shaped Kansas in its earliest days.
Why is it Important?
The Hopkins House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list means the Hopkins House is recognized as a valuable part of our country's heritage. It was even featured as a "property of the week" by the National Park Service in 2008. This shows how much its history and architecture are valued.
