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 |
The Hunter House is a very old and important house in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built in 1748 and is located at 54 Washington Street. This beautiful house is part of the Newport Historic District. Today, you can visit it for special tours and learn about its long history.
Contents
History of Hunter House
Building the House in 1748
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. A Deputy Governor helped lead the government in the colony. This large house had two and a half stories and a special roof called a gambrel roof.
Changes by Colonel Joseph Wanton Jr.
In 1756, Joseph Wanton Jr. bought the house. He was also a Deputy Governor and a successful merchant. Wanton made the house bigger by adding a new section on the south side. He also added a second chimney. These changes turned the building into a grand Georgian mansion with a large hall in the middle.
The American Revolution and French Visitors
During the American Revolution, Joseph Wanton Jr. was a Loyalist. This meant he supported the British King, not the American colonists who wanted independence. He was ordered to be held in Providence. Wanton eventually left Newport when the British army departed.
There's a famous story about Wanton's escape. He had a ship full of his belongings, hoping to return soon. However, the ship's captain sailed away while Wanton was saying goodbye to his wife. The captain then gave the ship to the American Patriots as a prize of war. This meant the captain and crew got money, and Wanton lost his wealth.
Later, in 1780, the house became the headquarters for Admiral de Ternay. He was the commander of the French fleet. The French forces were staying in Newport to help the American colonists fight for independence.
Senator William Hunter and Preservation
After the war, William Hunter bought the house. He was a Senator and an Ambassador for the United States. He continued to make it a beautiful Georgian Colonial mansion.
In 1945, people bought the house to save it from being torn down. This led to the creation of the Preservation Society of Newport County. This group works to protect historic buildings in Newport. On November 24, 1968, Hunter House was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place in the United States.
Inside Hunter House Today
The house shows what life was like in the 1700s. It has furniture made by famous craftsmen like Townsend and Goddard. You can also see paintings, including one by Gilbert Stuart, a well-known artist. There is also a restored 18th-century garden.
The woodwork inside the house is very special. Look for a carved pineapple above a doorway. In Colonial America, a pineapple was a symbol of welcome. During its restoration, some old cabinets made in Newport were even found in Scotland and brought back to the house. Experts like Ralph Carpenter helped restore the furniture and details. These include fancy wood panels, twisted stair railings, and old tiles around the fireplaces.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Rhode Island
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Newport County, Rhode Island
Gallery
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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
