Silas Deane House facts for kids
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Silas Deane House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Silas Deane House
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 203 Main Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1764 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Old Wethersfield Historic District (ID70000719) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000835 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated CP | December 29, 1970 |
The Silas Deane House is a special old house in Wethersfield, Connecticut. It was built in 1766. This house was once the home of Silas Deane (1737–1789). He was a very important person in early American history. Silas Deane was the first diplomat sent by the United States to another country. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in dealings with other nations. Today, the house is a historic house museum where you can learn about its past.
History of the Silas Deane House
The Silas Deane House is a two-story house made of wood. It has four windows across the front. There are two chimneys inside that are not placed exactly in the middle. A two-story section extends from the back of the house. The main door is on the right side of the front. It has decorative columns on each side. Above the door is a fancy, carved design. Inside, the house still has its original wooden features. This includes decorative columns and fireplaces with full wood panels. The main staircase also has a detailed railing.
Who Was Silas Deane?
Silas Deane built this house in 1766. He was trained as a lawyer. In the late 1760s, he became involved in protesting against the British Parliament. The Parliament was trying to collect taxes from the American colonies.
Deane was chosen to be part of the First Continental Congress in 1774. This was a meeting of leaders from the American colonies. He was then elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1775. In March 1776, this Congress chose Silas Deane for a very important job. He was sent to represent the American colonies in Kingdom of France.
Deane successfully worked out a secret deal with France. Through this deal, France helped the new United States. This happened before France officially joined the American Revolutionary War in 1778. Later, Deane helped sign a formal agreement of friendship with France. This agreement was negotiated by a group that included Deane.
The House as a Museum
In 1959, the Silas Deane House was given to The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Connecticut. From 1963 to 1965, the house was carefully fixed up.
Today, the house is open to visitors. It is part of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. Inside, you can see original furniture. There are also portraits of Silas Deane and his second wife. The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum also owns two other nearby 18th-century houses. These are the Joseph Webb House and the Isaac Stevens House. Both are located in Old Wethersfield. The museum also helps run the nearby Buttolph–Williams House. This house is owned by Connecticut Landmarks.
The Silas Deane House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it is a very important historical site in the United States.
See also
