Major Reuben Colburn House facts for kids
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Colburn House State Historic Site
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Colburn House
Location in Maine
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| Location | 33 Arnold Road, Pittston, Maine |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1765 |
| Architect | Reuben Colburn |
| Architectural style | Federal, Georgian |
| Part of | Arnold Trail to Quebec (ID69000018) |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000741 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 28, 2004 |
| Designated CP | October 1, 1969 |
The Colburn House State Historic Site is a special old house in Pittston, Maine. It's like a museum where you can learn about history. The house was built way back in 1765. It was the home of a man named Reuben Colburn. He was a patriot, meaning he supported his country, and he also built ships.
This house is famous because it was a key spot for Benedict Arnold's big trip in 1775. Arnold led a group of soldiers on an important journey to Quebec City during the American Revolutionary War. The Colburn House was one of the last places they stopped for supplies and help before heading into the wilderness. Today, the state of Maine takes care of it as a historic site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, which means it's recognized as an important historical place.
Contents
What Does the Colburn House Look Like?
The Colburn House sits on a small hill. From the house, you can see the Kennebec River flowing nearby. It is located south of the First Congregational Church of Pittston. The house is made of wood and has two and a half stories. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides and a brick chimney in the middle. The outside walls are covered with clapboard siding.
The front of the house has five windows and a main door. The windows are spaced a little unevenly. The front door is quite fancy. It has narrow windows on each side and decorative columns. These columns support a flat, decorated piece above the door.
The History of the Colburn House
Reuben Colburn's Early Life
Reuben Colburn and his family moved to an area called Gardinerston in 1761. This place was part of Massachusetts back then. In 1763, he was given about 250 acres of land. Colburn was a very busy and clever person. He built several important businesses near the Kennebec River. These included a saw mill, a brick yard, a boat yard, and a grist mill. A grist mill is a place where grain is ground into flour.
Building the Colburn House
In 1765, Reuben Colburn built his two-story home. He chose a spot on a small hill that gently sloped down to the river. People later described Colburn as one of the first "kings of industry" in the area. This means he was a very successful and important business owner.
The House and the American Revolution
The Colburn House played a big role in the American Revolutionary War. Reuben Colburn helped George Washington and Benedict Arnold plan a secret military trip. This trip was Arnold's expedition in 1775. The soldiers traveled through the wild northern parts of Maine to reach Quebec City.
The Colburn House was one of the last places where the soldiers could get support and supplies. It was a crucial stop before they faced the challenges of the wilderness.
The House Becomes a Historic Site
The Colburn family owned the house until 1953. After that, some private owners worked to fix it up and restore it. In 1971, the state of Maine bought the house. Since then, it has been open to the public as a historic site. This allows visitors to learn about its important past.
