Joseph Story House facts for kids
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Joseph Story House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 26 Winter Street, Salem, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1811 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Salem Common Historic District (ID76000303) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001952 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated CP | May 12, 1976 |
The Joseph Story House is a very old and important house in Salem, Massachusetts. It faces the beautiful Salem Common. This house was built in 1811. It was the home of Joseph Story until he passed away.
Joseph Story (1779–1845) was a very important judge. He served on the Supreme Court of the United States. He was also a big influence at Harvard Law School in its early days. The house is a great example of Federal architecture. It is made of brick and is now a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a really special place in American history.
About the Joseph Story House
The Story House is a three-story building made of brick. It has a sloped roof and two chimneys inside. The bricks are laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. There are granite decorations around the windows. The windows have six small panes of glass on the top and six on the bottom. The windows on the third floor are shorter than the others.
There is also a three-story part added to the left side of the house. It is not as deep as the main part. The main front door is in the middle of the house. It has a small porch covering it, which was likely added in the early 1900s. The inside of the house is very well kept. It still has its original wooden details, plaster, and other decorations.
Joseph Story's Life in the House
The house was built in 1811 for Joseph Story. In that same year, he became a judge on the Supreme Court of the United States. President James Madison chose him for this important job. Joseph Story was only 32 years old at the time. This made him the youngest justice ever on the Supreme Court.
During his time as a judge, he made many important decisions. He was especially known for his work in admiralty law, which deals with ships and the sea. He wrote very smart and detailed opinions. His decisions also helped define how the United States government and the states work together.
Story lived in this house until he died in 1845. He often had famous guests visit him there. For example, President James Madison visited in 1817. The Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution, also visited. Joseph Story's son, William Wetmore Story, was born in this house in 1819. William later became a famous sculptor.
Protecting This Historic Home
The Joseph Story House is part of the Salem Common Historic District (Salem, Massachusetts). Because of its importance, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in the same year. This helps make sure this special house is protected for future generations.
