Richardville House facts for kids
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Chief Jean-Baptiste de Richardville House
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Front of the house
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 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana |
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| Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | 1827 |
| Architect | Hugh Hann; A. G. Ballard |
| Architectural style | Mid-nineteenth-century revival, I-house |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000595 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 27, 1997 |
| Designated NHL | March 2, 2012 |
The Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House is a historic home built in 1827 near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The U.S. government helped pay for its construction as part of a special agreement, or treaty, made in 1826.
This house is thought to be one of only three "treaty houses" built east of the Mississippi River. These homes were part of agreements between the government and Native American tribes. On March 2, 2012, the house was named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place in the United States.
Contents
A Home for a Leader: Chief Richardville
Chief Richardville was the main leader of the Miami tribe from 1812 until he passed away in 1841. He played a big role in his community.
Signing Treaties with the U.S.
Chief Richardville signed several important agreements, called treaties, with the United States government. These treaties were about the Miami tribe and their lands. As part of these agreements, the government set aside land for Chief Richardville's own use. They also gave him $600 to help build his home.
The House's Special Style
The Richardville House shows off two popular building styles from its time: Greek Revival and Federal. When it was finished, using both government money and Chief Richardville's own funds, his Fort Wayne home was very grand. It was just as stylish and impressive as the homes of other important people in the area.
Saving History: The House Today
In 1991, the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society bought the house. They used money donated by the Foellinger Foundation and the Ropchan Foundation to help preserve this important piece of history.
Another Important Place
Further south, in Huntington, Indiana, is another place connected to Chief Richardville. This was a trading and meeting spot where the Wabash River and the Wabash and Erie Canal met. Chief Richardville also owned a house here, which was lived in by Chief LaFontaine. This white, two-story house is now filled with old furniture and portraits. Treaties were also signed at this location. Today, this house is a main part of the historic Forks of the Wabash park.
See also
