Ladd-Gilman House facts for kids
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Ladd-Gilman House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 Governors Lane, Exeter, New Hampshire |
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| Built | 1755 |
| Architect | Nathaniel Ladd |
| Part of | Front Street Historic District (ID73000270) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002055 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | December 2, 1974 |
| Designated CP | July 5, 1973 |
The Ladd-Gilman House, also known as Cincinnati Memorial Hall, is a very old and important house in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. It's a special place because of its history and the famous people who lived there. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized as a really important historical site in the country.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Ladd-Gilman House
Building the House: Early Days
The Ladd-Gilman House was first built around 1721. Nathaniel Ladd was the person who built it. It was one of the first brick houses in New Hampshire. About 30 years later, wooden boards called "clapboards" were added to the outside.
The Gilman Family and the Revolution
In 1747, Daniel Gilman bought the house. He was a successful merchant in Exeter. The house became very important during the American Revolutionary War. It served as the state treasury, where New Hampshire kept its money. Two members of the Gilman family, Col. Nicholas Gilman and his son John Taylor Gilman, worked as treasurers there. John Taylor Gilman later became the governor of New Hampshire.
Another famous person born in this house was Nicholas Gilman, Jr.. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He signed the United States Constitution, which is the main law of the U.S. He also served as a U.S. senator for New Hampshire.
A National Landmark and Special Discovery
The Ladd-Gilman House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. This was mainly because of its connection to Nicholas Gilman, Jr. Since 1902, the Society of the Cincinnati has taken care of the house. The Gilman family played a big part in this organization.
In 1985, an amazing discovery was made in the house's attic. It was a Dunlap Broadside. This document is one of the very first copies of the United States Declaration of Independence. It was printed on the night of July 4, 1776.
Today, the Ladd-Gilman House and its land are part of the American Independence Museum. This museum opened in 1991. The famous Dunlap Broadside is the most important item in the museum's collection.
House Design: How It Was Built and Changed
The Ladd-Gilman House is a large wooden building. It has a main part and several additions that were built over time. The main part of the house was first built with bricks and had two stories.
After Daniel Gilman bought the house in 1747, his son, Col. Nathaniel Gilman, made many changes. He removed a wall between two rooms on the right side. He also added a new section with two window bays next to it. To make everything match, he took down the original house wall on that side. Then, he covered the rest of the house with wooden clapboards.
Later, after the Society of the Cincinnati bought the house in 1902, another addition was built. This part was meant to be a home for a caretaker. Inside the main house, you can still see original wooden details. These include wood panels, deep window seats, and decorative columns called "fluted pilasters."
See also
- Gilman Garrison House
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New Hampshire
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 161: Ladd-Gilman House
