Oscar Taylor House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Oscar Taylor House
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1857 |
| Architect | Otis L. Wheelock |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001165 |
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1984 |
The Oscar Taylor House is a special old house located in Freeport, Illinois. It was built way back in 1857. This house played an important role as a secret "station" on the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. Because of its history, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
The Oscar Taylor House: A Historic Home
Who Was Oscar Taylor?
The Oscar Taylor House was built in 1857 for a man named Oscar Taylor. He was a banker and a lawyer in Freeport. Oscar Taylor's father, John W. Taylor, was even a Speaker of the House for the United States. Oscar Taylor started Freeport's very first bank in 1852.
A Center for Community Life
The house quickly became a busy and important place in Freeport. Many famous guests visited the Oscar Taylor House. It was known as a social and cultural center for the community.
The Underground Railroad Connection
During the American Civil War, the Oscar Taylor House became a secret "station" on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad. Instead, it was a secret network of safe houses and routes. These routes helped people who were escaping slavery find freedom in the North.
Secret Hiding Place
People seeking freedom were hidden in the basement of the Oscar Taylor House. There was a secret door in the basement. This door was hidden behind shelves. This secret hiding spot helped many people on their journey to freedom. The secret door is still there today!
From Home to Museum
The Taylor family owned the house until 1944. That year, they gave the house to the Stephenson County Historical Society. It was then turned into a historic house museum. Today, visitors can learn about the house's history and its important role.
Architecture of the Taylor House
Italianate Style and Design
The Oscar Taylor House is built in the Italianate style. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. The house is made from rough-faced limestone that was found nearby. It was designed by Otis L. Wheelock. He was part of a famous architecture firm from Chicago.
Unique Features of the House
The house is two stories tall. It also has a full basement and a full attic. It was the first very large house built in Freeport. Even though it looks a bit uneven, the house actually has a balanced design.
Special Architectural Details
The Oscar Taylor House has several interesting parts. It has a small tower-like structure called a cupola on the roof. There is also a kitchen wing that sticks out. The house features projecting bays, which are window areas that extend outward. At the back, there is a sunroom. All these different parts make the house look unique and interesting.
Why the Oscar Taylor House is Important
The Oscar Taylor House is important for a few reasons. It shows the history of business in Freeport because of Oscar Taylor. It is also a great example of Italianate architecture. Most importantly, it played a vital role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Oscar Taylor House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 1984.
