Neal Dow House facts for kids
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Neal Dow House
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Dow House in June 2008
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 714 Congress St., Portland, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1830 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000236 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
The Neal Dow House is a historic home located at 714 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. It was built in 1829 for Neal Dow (1804-1897), a well-known politician. Dow was famous for his work in the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce or stop the use of alcohol.
This house is special because it was where Dow lived and worked for many years. It was later named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important place in American history. Today, the house is the main office for the Maine chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. This group continues to promote healthy living.
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About the Neal Dow House
The Neal Dow House is a large, brick building with 17 rooms. It has a classic style from the early 1800s, known as Federal style. The house is mostly rectangular and has three main parts. There's a tall main section at the corner of the lot. Another tall section extends from the back, forming an "L" shape. A smaller, one-story part fills the space in the "L". The front door is on the right side of the main section and has a fancy cover over it.
Building History and Use
This house was built in 1829 when Neal Dow married Maria Maynard. It was his home for 67 years until he passed away in 1897 at 93 years old. After Dow's death, his son, Fred, gave the house to the local Women's Christian Temperance Union group. He also donated many of his father's belongings and historical items. The house is now open to the public on weekdays, and you can visit it for free. You can also arrange a visit by appointment.
Neal Dow's Important Work
Neal Dow grew up in Portland, Maine, in a Quaker family. He was a successful local businessman. From a young age, he strongly believed in the temperance movement. In 1829, he helped start the Maine Temperance Union. He began speaking publicly, arguing that alcohol should be completely banned.
Dow's Impact on Laws
In 1851, Neal Dow was elected mayor of Portland. As mayor, he quickly pushed for a statewide law to ban alcohol. He even wrote the law himself. When the law passed, it made Dow famous across the country. Other states that passed similar laws often called them "Maine laws." Dow traveled widely, giving speeches and supporting the cause.
Later Life and Legacy
During the American Civil War, Dow served in the Union Army and became a brigadier general. After the war, he continued his work for temperance. He even visited England to work with temperance supporters there. In the 1880 presidential election, he ran for president as a candidate for the Prohibition Party. He received about 10,000 votes. Neal Dow remained active in the temperance movement until he died. Many historians believe that Dow's ideas and methods helped future temperance leaders.
National Recognition
Because of Neal Dow's important work and the house's connection to him, the Neal Dow House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The next year, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This shows how important the house and Neal Dow's story are to American history.
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