Milton House (Milton, Wisconsin) facts for kids
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Milton House
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Milton House
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 18 S. Janesville St., Milton, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1838 |
| Architect | Joseph Goodrich |
| MPS | Grout Buildings in Milton TR (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000065 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | August 5, 1998 |
Milton House is a historic building in Milton, Wisconsin. It is famous for its unique hexagonal shape. This special house was once a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of safe places and people who helped enslaved people find freedom. Milton House might also be one of the very first buildings in the United States made with a special material called grout. A famous architecture magazine once called it the "oldest important concrete building still standing."
Contents
What is Milton House Like?
Milton House has a very interesting design. It is made of grout, which is a mix of cement, sand, and water. This mix is poured into molds to create strong walls. The main part of the house is three stories tall and shaped like a hexagon. It also has a two-story hexagonal wing attached.
Inside the main tower, there is a spiral staircase in the middle. Rooms are located around this staircase. The first floor has common rooms where people would gather. The upper floors and the wing were used as guest rooms for travelers. The way the house was built with grout even inspired other builders. One person, Orson Squire Fowler, who liked octagonal homes, suggested using grout for them.
Behind Milton House, you can find the Goodrich Cabin. This cabin was built in 1837. It was moved to the Milton House site in 1839. It was one of the first homes of Joseph Goodrich when he settled in Milton.
The Story of Milton House
Building a New Home
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Joseph Goodrich was the person who founded the town of Milton. He moved there in 1839. He first built a log cabin, which is no longer there. He also brought the 1837 cabin to the site. Joseph Goodrich was a Seventh Day Baptist. Like many people of his faith, he was against slavery.
Goodrich built Milton House in 1845. It quickly became a popular place for travelers to stop. This was because it was located at an important crossroads. One road went between Chicago and Madison. The other road connected Janesville to Fort Atkinson.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
The location of Milton House was perfect for helping people on the Underground Railroad. It was near important roads and the Rock River. Enslaved people seeking freedom often followed the river to this area. From there, they would take the road to Racine. In Racine, they could find a boat to take them to Canada, where they would be free.
There is a secret tunnel that connects the main Milton House building to the nearby cabin. No one knows exactly when or why this tunnel was built. However, Joseph's son, Ezra, said the tunnel was used to hide people escaping slavery. Joseph Goodrich also welcomed famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth to the house. She visited Milton in the 1860s.
Joseph Goodrich was very creative with his building materials. He reportedly brought cement by wagon. He then mixed it with sand and river water to create the grout. He poured this mixture into special box forms to build the walls.
Saving a Landmark
By 1937, Milton House was in poor condition. It was empty and almost torn down. Luckily, the Milton Historical Society stepped in. They bought the building and worked hard to restore it.
Today, Milton House and the Goodrich Cabin are open to the public. You can take guided tours to learn more about their history. In 1998, Milton House was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the most important places still standing in Wisconsin that tells the story of the fight against slavery.
See also
