John Trumbull Birthplace facts for kids
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John Trumbull Birthplace
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Town Common, Lebanon, Connecticut |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1735 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Lebanon Green Historic District (ID79002666) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000883 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1965 |
| Designated CP | June 4, 1979 |
The John Trumbull Birthplace, also known as the Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, is a special historic house in Lebanon, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1735! Joseph Trumbull built it as a wedding gift for his son, Jonathan Trumbull.
Jonathan Trumbull (1710–1785) became a very important person. He was the Governor of Connecticut during the American Revolutionary War. This house was a key place for planning important war strategies. It is also the birthplace of John Trumbull (1756–1843). John became a famous artist, known for painting scenes and people from the war. The house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1965 because of its importance.
Contents
Exploring the Trumbull House
The Trumbull House is a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It has a classic look with a sloped roof and wooden siding. A big chimney stands in the middle. The front door is in the center, with fancy columns on each side.
Inside the Historic Home
On the first floor, you can find a living room, a dining room, and a bedroom. There is also a kitchen and a pantry in a section that extends from the back. Upstairs, there are more bedrooms. You can even find a secret "bolthole" room! Governor Trumbull used this hidden space as his office. Today, the house is a museum. It displays many items that belonged to the Trumbull family. You can also see other objects from that time period.
A Look at Trumbull Family History
The story of this house began in 1735. Joseph Trumbull built it for his son Jonathan when Jonathan married Faith Robinson. Jonathan Trumbull was a very successful businessman. He managed his work right from this house.
Governor Trumbull's Role in the Revolution
Jonathan Trumbull was elected governor of the Connecticut Colony in 1769. He later became the first governor of the State of Connecticut in 1776. During the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), many important meetings happened in his home. The nearby War Office was also a key spot. It was once connected to the house by a secret passage! This office helped organize supplies and plans for the northern states during the war.
French Allies on Lebanon Green
During the winter of 1780–1781, French soldiers stayed on the Lebanon Green. These troops later joined forces with the Comte de Rochambeau. They marched through in 1781 to meet George Washington and the Continental Army. Together, they fought in the important Siege of Yorktown.
John Trumbull: The Artist of the Revolution
John Trumbull was born in this house on June 6, 1756. He grew up to serve as an assistant to George Washington during the war. After the war, he became a famous artist. In the 1800s, the United States Congress asked him to paint four large historical pictures. These paintings now hang in the United States Capitol rotunda. He also painted many portraits of the war's military leaders.
Preserving a Piece of History
In 1830, the house was moved a short distance to where it stands today. In 1934, the Connecticut chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution bought the property. They have kept it as a historic house museum ever since. You can visit the house on weekends from May through October.
The house was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
See also
