Odell House facts for kids
The Odell House is a very old and important house located in Greenburgh, New York. It's a special place because of its role in the American Revolutionary War. Imagine, back in 1781, this house was the main office, or "headquarters," for a famous French general named Count de Rochambeau. His French army, who were helping the Americans fight for independence, even camped out on the farm around the house for over a month!
Quick facts for kids |
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Odell House
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 Location in New York
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| Location | 425 Ridge Road, Greenburgh, New York, United States |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 hectares) |
| Built | 1732 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001286 |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 1973 |
Contents
What Does the Odell House Look Like?
The Odell House has a main part that was built a long, long time ago, in 1732. This central part is one and a half stories tall. It has two other sections, called "wings," on either side.
How the House Grew Over Time
The wing on the east side was added in 1765. It started as a one-and-a-half-story building. Later, in 1785, it was made taller to become a full two-story section. Both the main part of the house and this east wing are made of wood. They are covered with special cedar wood shingles. The whole house sits on a strong foundation made of fieldstone, which are natural stones found in fields.
The wing on the west side is different. It's made of stone and is two stories tall. This part was built much later, between 1853 and 1855. The house also has three unique "Dutch doors." These doors are special because they are split in half, so you can open the top part while keeping the bottom part closed.
Why is the Odell House Important?
Because of its rich history, especially its role in the Revolutionary War, the Odell House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's officially recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States.
Bringing the House Back to Life
In 2020, the Odell House became the property of the Town of Greenburgh. A new group called the "Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters" was formed. This non-profit group is working with the town to fix up the house. Their goal is to turn it into a museum. This museum will help people learn about the house's history and its connection to the American Revolution.
The restoration work started in March 2021. It's a big project that is expected to take about two years to complete. Soon, more people will be able to visit and explore this amazing historic home!
