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 very old and important home located near Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was built way back in 1827. This house is special because the United States government helped pay for it. This was part of a deal made in the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewas. It's thought to be one of only three "treaty houses" ever built east of the Mississippi River. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark on March 2, 2012. This means it's a place of great national importance.
Contents
The Story of the Richardville House
Who Was Chief Richardville?
Chief Richardville was a very important leader of the Miami tribe. He was the main chief from 1812 until he passed away in 1841. During his time as chief, he signed several treaties with the United States government. These treaties were about the Miami tribe's land. Eventually, the Miami people had to move from Indiana as a recognized nation.
Building a Special Home
As part of these treaties, some land was set aside just for Chief Richardville. The government also gave him $600 to help build a home. The Richardville House was designed with popular styles of the time. These included Greek Revival and Federal styles.
When the house was finished, it was very grand. Chief Richardville used both government money and his own funds to build it. His home in Fort Wayne was just as stylish as the homes of important white people living in the area back then.
Saving the House for History
Many years later, in 1991, the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society bought the house. They were able to do this thanks to money donated by the Foellinger Foundation and the Ropchan Foundation. Today, the house helps us learn about the past.
Another Important Richardville Home
Chief Richardville owned another important home. It is located farther south and west, in Huntington, Indiana. This area was a busy trading and meeting place. It was where the Wabash River and the Wabash and Erie Canal met.
This second home was lived in by Chief LaFontaine. It is a white, two-story house built in the Greek Revival style. Inside, you can see furniture from that time period. There are also portraits of the people who lived there. Important treaties were also signed at this location. Today, this house is the main attraction of the historic Forks of the Wabash park.
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