Magee Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jacob Magee House
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Jacob Magee House in 2010
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Kushla, Alabama |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1848 |
| Architectural style | Gulf Coast Cottage |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000112 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1988 |
The Jacob Magee House, also called the Magee Farm, is a historic home in Kushla, Alabama, United States. Jacob Magee built this one-and-a-half-story wooden house in 1848. It is a great example of the Gulf Coast Cottage style. This house is famous for being the place where important talks happened to end the American Civil War. These talks led to the surrender of the last Confederate States Army east of the Mississippi River.
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The Historic Jacob Magee House
The Jacob Magee House stands as an important piece of history in Kushla, Alabama. It was built by Jacob Magee in 1848. The house is made of wood and has one and a half stories. It shows off the special design known as the Gulf Coast Cottage style. This style is common in areas along the Gulf of Mexico.
A Look at the House's Style
The Gulf Coast Cottage style is unique to the southern United States. These homes often have a raised foundation. They also feature a wide porch across the front. The Jacob Magee House perfectly shows these features. Its design helped keep the house cool in the warm Alabama climate. It also provided a nice outdoor space for families.
A Place of Peace: The Civil War Surrender
The Jacob Magee House is most famous for its role in the American Civil War. On April 29, 1865, a very important meeting took place here. Confederate General Richard Taylor met with Union General Edward Canby. They talked about a ceasefire, which means stopping the fighting.
These talks at the Magee House were the first steps toward peace. General Taylor's forces were the last large group of Confederate soldiers east of the Mississippi River. They included about 47,000 troops. These soldiers were spread across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The discussions at the house led to their surrender. This helped bring the long and difficult war to an end.
From Museum to Historic Landmark
The Magee Farm was recognized for its importance on February 11, 1988. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
In 2004, the house opened as a museum. This was partly thanks to the Civil War Trust, now called the American Battlefield Trust. They helped save some of the land around the house. The museum allowed people to visit and learn about its history. However, the museum closed in 2010. It stopped operating because not enough people visited or supported it. After closing, the house was put up for sale. In 2010, the Alabama Historical Commission listed it as a "Place in Peril." This means it was a historic site needing help to be preserved.
