Hunter House (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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Hunter House
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Front elevation of house in 2008
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 Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Newport, RI |
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| Built | 1748 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Newport Historic District (ID68000001) |
| NRHP reference No. | 68000003 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 24, 1968 |
| Designated NHL | November 24, 1968 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 24, 1968 |
Hunter House is a very old and special house in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built way back in 1748! This house is famous because it has a long history and beautiful old-fashioned designs. It's located at 54 Washington Street, in a part of Newport called Easton's Point. Today, you can visit Hunter House and learn about its past.
Contents
The Story of Hunter House
Building a Grand Home
The first part of Hunter House was built in 1748. It was made for Jonathan Nichols Jr., who was a "Deputy Governor" of the colony. This means he was like a vice-governor, helping to lead the area. The house was quite large, with a special roof called a gambrel roof.
In 1756, the house was sold to Joseph Wanton Jr.. He was also a deputy governor and a successful merchant. Wanton made the house even bigger and grander. He added a new section and another chimney. This turned the house into a fancy Georgian style mansion. It had a big central hallway, perfect for welcoming guests.
A House Through the Revolution
During the American Revolution, Joseph Wanton Jr. was a "Loyalist." This means he stayed loyal to the British king, not the American colonists who wanted independence. Because of this, he was ordered to be put in prison. He ended up leaving Newport when the British army left the city.
There's a cool story about Wanton's escape. People say he had his own ship filled with goods. He hoped to come back soon. But while he was saying goodbye to his wife, the ship's captain sailed away! The captain then gave the ship to the American Patriots. This meant the captain and crew got money, and Wanton lost all his wealth.
Later, in 1780, the house became important again. It was used as the main office for Admiral de Ternay. He was the leader of the French fleet. The French forces were staying in Newport to help the Americans fight the British.
Saving Hunter House
After the war, a man named William Hunter bought the house. He was a Senator and an Ambassador. He continued to make the house a beautiful Georgian Colonial mansion.
In 1945, people worried the house might be torn down. To save it, a group was formed called the Preservation Society of Newport County. This group bought the house to protect it. Because of its history and beauty, Hunter House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1968. This means it's a very important place in American history. Today, you can visit Hunter House for special tours.
Inside Hunter House
When you visit Hunter House, you'll see furniture from the 1700s. Many pieces were made by famous local craftsmen like Townsend and Goddard. There are also old paintings, including one by Gilbert Stuart. The house also has a beautiful garden that looks just like it did in the 1700s.
The woodwork inside the house is amazing. Look for a carved pineapple over one of the doorways. In Colonial America, a pineapple was a symbol of welcome and hospitality! During the house's restoration, some old cabinets that were made in Newport were found as far away as Scotland. They were brought back and put into the house.
The restoration work was overseen by Ralph Carpenter. He made sure everything looked just right. You can see beautiful wood panels from floor to ceiling. The stairs have fancy twisted railings called balusters. Many fireplaces have special 18th-century Delft tiles. The house also has tall, decorative columns called pilasters with fancy tops.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Rhode Island
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Newport County, Rhode Island
Images for kids
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Hunter House from the water side
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Northwest Elevation, 1937
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Northeast Elevation, 1971
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Southwest room, 1971
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Entrance hall, 1937
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Cupboard in northeast parlor
