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Lee-Longsworth House facts for kids

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Lee-Longsworth House
Lee-Longsworth House.JPG
Lee-Longsworth House is located in West Virginia
Lee-Longsworth House
Location in West Virginia
Lee-Longsworth House is located in the United States
Lee-Longsworth House
Location in the United States
Location Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Built 1800
Architectural style Georgian, Federal
NRHP reference No. 85002471
Added to NRHP September 23, 1985

The Lee-Longsworth House is a historic building in Bolivar, West Virginia. It shows how building styles changed from the Georgian style to the Federal style. The house has special wooden details inside. It is also connected to the famous Lee family from Virginia.

In 1799, the owner, Thomas Wilson, leased the property to the United States Government. Later, Richard B. Lee and his wife Elizabeth, along with Edmond I. Lee and Walton Jones, sold the house to Ferdinando Fairfax.

Over the 1800s, the house had many different owners. During the American Civil War, it is believed that General Stonewall Jackson stayed in the house for a short time.

About the Lee-Longsworth House

The Lee-Longsworth House is a very old building in West Virginia. It was built in the year 1800. This house is important because it shows a mix of two popular building styles from its time.

Architectural Style

The house combines two main building styles:

  • Georgian style: This style was popular in the 1700s. Georgian buildings often look very balanced and grand. They usually have a simple, boxy shape.
  • Federal style: This style became popular after the American Revolution. Federal buildings are often more decorative than Georgian ones. They might have fancier windows or more detailed entrances.

The Lee-Longsworth House shows features of both styles. This makes it a great example of how architecture changed over time. It also has special wooden details inside that are still preserved.

Early History and Owners

The land where the house stands was first leased to the U.S. Government in 1799. This was before the house was even built. Later, the property was sold to Ferdinando Fairfax. The Fairfax family was a well-known family in Virginia.

The house changed hands many times throughout the 1800s. It was owned by different families over the years. This was common for large properties during that time.

The Civil War Connection

The Lee-Longsworth House played a small part in the American Civil War. It is said that General Stonewall Jackson stayed there briefly. He was a famous Confederate general. His stay connects the house to a major event in American history.

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