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Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office facts for kids

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Giddings, Joshua Reed, Law Office
Joshua R. Giddings Law Office, Chestnut & Walnut Streets, Jefferson (Ashtabula County, Ohio).jpg
This photo from 1936 shows the law office on Chestnut Street.
Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office is located in Ohio
Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office
Location in Ohio
Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office is located in the United States
Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office
Location in the United States
Location 102 E. Jefferson St, Jefferson, Ohio
Area less than one acre
Built 1823 (1823)
NRHP reference No. 74001396
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP May 30, 1974
Designated NHL May 30, 1974

The Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office is a special old building in Jefferson, Ohio. It was built in 1823. This building was the office of Joshua Reed Giddings (1795-1864). He was an important leader who worked to end slavery. He was also a U.S. representative, which means he was elected to speak for his state in the United States government from 1838 to 1859.

This building is now a National Historic Landmark. It got this special title because of Giddings' important work. He played a big part in the discussions about slavery before the American Civil War. Today, the local history group owns the building. It is a museum that you can visit by making an appointment.

About the Law Office

The Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office is located in Jefferson, Ohio. You can find it on East Jefferson Street. It is across from the Jefferson Baptist Church. There is also a small public park nearby called Giddings Park.

The building is small and has only one floor. It is made of wood and has a pointed roof. The outside is covered with wooden boards. The front of the building has a main door on the right side. There is a window on the left side. The back of the building looks similar. Inside, the building has one main room.

Joshua Giddings' Work

The law office was built in 1823. From 1838 to 1859, it was where Joshua Reed Giddings worked. Giddings was a very strong voice against slavery. He often spoke about slavery when he was in the United States House of Representatives.

His strong speeches sometimes caused problems. At one point, other members of Congress tried to stop him from talking about slavery. This was because of a rule called a "gag rule." But Giddings kept speaking out. Many people believe his work helped shape the views of President Abraham Lincoln against slavery.

The Office Today

The building is now a museum. The Ashtabula County Historical Society takes care of it. The office was not always in this exact spot. It used to be next to Giddings' house. In 2013, it was moved to its current location.

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