Nathaniel Backus House facts for kids
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Nathaniel Backus House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 44 Rockwell St., Norwich, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Colonial |
| Part of | Chelsea Parade Historic District (ID88003215) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000715 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1970 |
| Designated CP | May 12, 1989 |
The Nathaniel Backus House is a two-story home in Norwich, Connecticut. It has a special design called Greek Revival, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. The house was built around 1750 by Nathaniel Backus as his family home.
Interestingly, the house wasn't always in its current spot! It was carefully moved in 1952. When it was first built, it had a Colonial style. But around 1825, it was changed to the Greek Revival look. This included moving the front door and adding two chimneys. Today, the house is a historic house museum. It is looked after by the Faith Trumbull Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Nathaniel Backus House is important because of its history and its unique Greek Revival style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1970. It is also part of the Chelsea Parade Historic District, which was recognized in 1989.
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Who Was Nathaniel Backus?
The house is named after its builder, Nathaniel Backus. He was born on April 5, 1704. Nathaniel was a descendant of William Backus and William Backus, Jr. These two men were among the first people to help found Norwich, Connecticut.
In 1726, Nathaniel Backus married Hannah Baldwin. They had seven children together. Nathaniel was also one of only six people in Norwich who owned their own carriages before the American Revolutionary War. He passed away in 1773.
How the House Was Designed
We don't know the exact date the Nathaniel Backus House was built. But most people believe it was around 1750. Some historical records suggest it might have been built earlier, around 1734. However, the Daughters of the American Revolution, who care for the house, say it dates from 1750.
The house first stood on Broadway Street in the center of Norwich, Connecticut. It was originally built in the Colonial style. Later, around 1825, it was updated to the Greek Revival style. The house is white and has two stories. Its narrow end, called the gable end, faces the street.
The front of the house faces south. The main entrance is on the left side. The roof edges have decorative parts that look like a triangle, called a pediment. Inside this triangle is a special oval window. This window has glass panes that spread out like sun rays. The front door is believed to be original. It has panels and is framed by decorative columns. The windows have six panes on the top and six on the bottom. They stick out a little from the house's wooden siding. The foundation and steps are made of stone.
Over time, two chimneys were added to the house. Changes were also made to the windows and doors on the sides. It is thought that the main door and window changes were part of the Greek Revival updates.
Why This House Is Important
The Nathaniel Backus House is now a historic house museum. The Faith Trumbull Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has managed it since its move in 1952. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places because of its local history. It is also a great example of Greek Revival homes.
Experts have noted that the simple look of the Backus house stands out nicely. It is different from the more complex buildings around it. The house was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It was also included in the Chelsea Parade Historic District in 1989.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in New London County, Connecticut
- Perkins-Rockwell House - another historic home located next door to the Nathaniel Backus House that is owned by the Faith Trumbull Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
