Monte Cristo Cottage facts for kids
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Monte Cristo Cottage (Eugene O'Neill Summer House)
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The home in 2018
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 325 Pequot Avenue, New London, Connecticut |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architectural style | Stick/Eastlake, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 71001010 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1971 |
The Monte Cristo Cottage is a special house in New London, Connecticut. It was the summer home for the family of famous American actor James O'Neill. His son, Eugene O'Neill, who became a very important playwright, grew up spending his summers here. This house is now a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a really important place in American history.
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History of the Monte Cristo Cottage
James O'Neill bought this property in New London in June 1884. He bought it for his wife Ella's 27th birthday. The land already had a small cottage built in the 1840s. James O'Neill made the cottage much bigger.
Today, it's a two-story house with three sections across the front. It has a porch that wraps around the front and side. There's also a cool tower with a pointy roof next to the porch. This house was the main home for Eugene O'Neill's family during his childhood summers.
Why the Name "Monte Cristo"?
Eugene O'Neill spent most of the year traveling with his father. His dad was an actor who toured many cities. But every summer, the family came back to this cottage. They named it "Monte Cristo" after a famous play. James O'Neill starred in this play for many years while touring.
Eugene O'Neill probably wrote his first two plays right here in this house. The cottage is also the setting for two of his most famous plays: Ah, Wilderness! and Long Day's Journey into Night.
Monte Cristo Cottage Today
The Monte Cristo Cottage was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. This was because of its strong connection to Eugene O'Neill and his important plays. In 1976, the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center bought the house.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the cottage is a historic house museum. It looks just like it might have when the O'Neill family lived there. This helps visitors imagine the setting of Long Day's Journey into Night. The museum also has exhibits about Eugene O'Neill's life and his plays. You can see special items and memories from his life. This includes the desk where he wrote his play Anna Christie, which won him a Pulitzer Prize!
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Connecticut
- National Register of Historic Places listings in New London County, Connecticut
Images for kids
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Sign at the cottage
