Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Swedish Log Cabin |
| Location | Swedesboro, New Jersey, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°44′58″N 75°18′25″W / 39.74944°N 75.30694°W |
| Completed | c. 1654 |
| Governing body | Cumberland County Historical Society |
The Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin, also known as the Schorn Log Cabin, is a very old and important building in Swedesboro, New Jersey. It's one of the last historic homes left in this area. You can find it right in the cemetery of the Trinity Church. This cabin is special because it's one of the oldest original log cabins built with early Swedish-Finnish designs in the United States.
Contents
History of the Cabin
Early Beginnings (1654)
The Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin was first built by Morton Mortenson. He was a Swedish-Finnish person who came to America in May 1654. He settled in an area called the Delaware Valley. At that time, this land was part of a colony known as New Sweden.
Morton Mortenson's great-grandson was a famous person named John Morton. He was important because he signed the Declaration of Independence. This document declared that the American colonies were free from British rule. John Morton signed it as a representative for Pennsylvania.
Cabin Features and Owners
The cabin itself is quite small. It has just one room and no windows, only a single door. The walls are made from strong cedar logs. These logs were sealed together with a special mix called lime mortar caulk.
Later, a well-known local doctor named Bernardhus Van Leer owned the cabin. His family, the Van Leers, were very active in helping to end slavery.
The Underground Railroad
Before and during the American Civil War, the Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin played a secret role. It was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of secret routes and safe houses. It helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada. The Van Leer family also built nearby communities for people who had gained their freedom.
Moving the Cabin
The cabin was originally located near Raccoon Creek. It was on land that belonged to the Morton Mortenson Plantation. In 1989, the Schorn Family gave the cabin to the Gloucester County Historical Society. They carefully moved it to its current spot. Now, it stands in the cemetery behind the Trinity Episcopal Church in Swedesboro.
Cabin Architecture
The Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin shows a special building style. It's an example of typical Swedish-Finnish cabin architecture. This style uses logs that are notched and fit together at the corners. This way of building was brought to America by the settlers of the New Sweden Colony.
Images for kids
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The Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin, seen from the cemetery.
