Russell-Colbath House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Russell/Colbath House
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kancamagus Hwy., White Mountain National Forest, Albany, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1831 |
| Built by | Russell, Amzi; Russell, Thomas |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003416 |
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1987 |
The Russell/Colbath House is a special old house located on the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, New Hampshire. It sits inside the beautiful White Mountain National Forest. Today, the United States Forest Service takes care of it and runs it as a museum.
This house was built around 1831. It is the only old home from that time that is still standing in the Swift River valley. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's a place recognized for its historical value.
What the House Looks Like
The Russell-Colbath House is a one-and-a-half-story building. It is made of wood and has a pointed roof. A chimney stands in the middle of the house. The outside walls are covered with wooden boards called clapboards.
The front of the house is balanced, with five sections. The main door is in the center. It has narrow windows on each side and decorative pillars. Inside, the house has a central chimney plan. This means the chimney is in the middle. There's a small entrance area, and rooms on both sides of the chimney. A bedroom is located behind the chimney. In one corner, there's a kitchen space and stairs leading up to more bedrooms.
A Glimpse into History
The Russell-Colbath House was built by Thomas and Amzi Russell between 1831 and 1832. They were among the first people to settle permanently in the Swift River valley. Other attempts to settle there in 1805 and 1815 had not worked out.
The Russell family ran a sawmill near Oliverian Brook. They were part of a small community that farmed and logged in the area. This spot had some of the best farmland in the valley. The Russell family owned the house until 1930. After that, it was used as a summer home for a while. In 1961, the United States Forest Service bought the house. Now, it helps visitors learn about the past as a museum and information center.
See also
