James W. Marshall House facts for kids
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James W. Marshall House
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Exterior of the James W. Marshall House in 2023
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 Location in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1816 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000386 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1970 |
The James W. Marshall House is a special old house. It is located at 60 Bridge Street in Lambertville, New Jersey. This house was the childhood home of James W. Marshall. He became famous for discovering gold in California in January 1848. His discovery started the exciting California Gold Rush!
This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1970. This means it is a very important building. It is recognized for its unique architecture and its place in history. Today, the house serves as the main office for the Lambertville Historical Society. It is also open to the public as a museum.
Contents
History of the Marshall House
Building a New Home
In 1816, Philip Marshall, who was James's father, moved his family. They came from Hopewell, New Jersey to nearby Lambertville. Philip bought about five acres of land for $300. On this land, he built a brick home. It was designed in the Federal style, which was popular at the time.
The Marshall family lived in this house for many years. They stayed there until 1834. Sadly, Philip died that year. After his death, his wife could no longer afford to live in the house.
A Convent for Sisters
Later, in 1882, the property was sold. It was bought by St. John's Roman Catholic Church. The church used the house as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters lived in the house. They also taught in a school that was built as an addition to the house.
In 1964, the St. John's congregation decided to build a new convent and school. They planned to tear down the old Marshall House.
Saving a Historic House
A resident of Lambertville, Alice Narducci, wanted to save the house. She made an agreement with St. John's Church. The building was given to the New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development. The state then leased the property to the Lambertville Historical Society.
During this time, the kitchen and the schoolhouse addition were removed. A big restoration project then began. The entire back wall of the house was rebuilt. New materials were used that matched the original ones very closely. The inside of the house was also restored. Today, the house is decorated to look like it did when the Marshall family lived there.
See Also
- List of historical societies in New Jersey
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
