Quarters A, Brooklyn Navy Yard facts for kids
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Quarters A, Brooklyn Navy Yard
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North side in springtime
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Brooklyn, New York |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1805 |
| Architect | Charles Bulfinch; John McComb, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001252 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 30, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
Quarters A, also known as the Commandant's House, is a very old and important house. It is located on Evans Street in the Vinegar Hill area of Brooklyn, New York City. The house was first built in 1805. It has been changed a few times over the years.
This building is a great example of Federal architecture, a style popular in the United States from 1780 to 1830. In 1974, it became a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place recognized for its special history. It is famous because Matthew C. Perry lived there. He was the commander of the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard from 1841 to 1843. Perry later played a big role in opening up Japan to trade with Western countries in 1854. Today, the house is owned by private citizens.
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About Quarters A
The former Commandant's House sits on a small hill. It looks out over the western side of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. You can reach it through a special gate near Little and Evans Streets.
The house is three and a half stories tall. It is made of wood and covered with wooden boards called clapboards. The house has been changed and made bigger many times. This happened in 1860, 1904, and 1936.
Inside the Historic House
Even with all the changes, the main part of the house still looks like it did when it was first built. It has special details from the Federal period. For example, the front door has fancy glass windows on the sides. There is also carved wood paneling and wooden floorboards inside. These wooden floors are now covered by other types of flooring.
The first part of the house was built between 1805 and 1806. It is believed that famous architects Charles Bulfinch and John McComb, Jr. helped design it.
History of the Commandant's House
This house was built to be the home for the commander of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Many important people lived here over the years.
Commodore Matthew C. Perry
One of the most famous people to live in Quarters A was Commodore Matthew C. Perry. He lived there from 1841 to 1843. Perry worked at the Navy Yard in different jobs from 1833 to 1843. During this time, he made many improvements for the U.S. Navy.
He helped make steamships better for travel. He also improved how sailors and officers were taught. Perry even helped make the nation's lighthouse service better.
Perry's most famous achievement happened in 1854. He led an important trip to Japan. At that time, Japan was mostly closed off from other countries. Perry helped convince Japan to open its borders more widely. This event changed trade and how countries worked together around the world.
National Historic Landmark Status
The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974. At that time, it was still part of the active navy yard. The current owners of the Commandant's House are Charles Gilbert and Jennifer Jones. They bought the house in 1997.
