Traveller's Rest (Kearneysville, West Virginia) facts for kids
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Traveller's Rest
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Traveller's Rest in 2013
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bowers Rd., west of Kearneysville, West Virginia |
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| Area | 202 acres (82 ha) |
| Built | 1773 |
| Architect | Horatio Gates, John Ariss |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001288 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | November 15, 1972 |
Traveller's Rest, also known as the General Horatio Gates Home, is a very old house located near Kearneysville, West Virginia. It was built in 1773 and became the home of Continental Army General Horatio Gates. He lived there from 1773 until 1790. This house is special because it still looks much like it did when General Gates lived there. In 1972, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great historical importance to the United States. Traveller's Rest is on private land, so it's not usually open for people to visit.
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Exploring Traveller's Rest
Traveller's Rest is in a quiet, countryside area west of Kearneysville. It sits on more than 200 acres (81 ha) of land. The main house is made of stone and has 1 1/2 stories. It is set back from Bowers Road. The first part of the house was built in 1773. A few years later, another section was added. Both parts of the house have a full basement and a sloped roof.
The Story of Horatio Gates
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Horatio Gates was born in England. He served in the British Army during the French and Indian War. After the war, he couldn't get promoted because he didn't have enough money or important connections.
In 1772, Gates and his family sailed from England to Virginia. They bought 659 acres (267 ha) of land near Shepherdstown. This area is now part of West Virginia. He built this stone house and became a local judge.
Gates and the American Revolution
When the American Revolutionary War began, Horatio Gates helped create the Continental Army. He became one of its most famous generals. He led the American forces to an important victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. This win was a big turning point in the war. However, he later faced a difficult loss at the Battle of Camden in 1780.
After the war ended, Gates returned to Traveller's Rest. In 1790, he sold his home. He then moved to New York City.
How the House Was Built
General Gates hired John Ariss to do the fancy wooden decorations inside the house. At that time, Ariss was also working on other projects for the Washington family nearby. Gates added a new stone section to the original house. The windows that stick out from the roof, called dormers, were added after Gates no longer owned the house. These dormers are the only big change made to the house since General Gates lived there.
Images for kids
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Traveller's Rest in 2013
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Traveller's Rest, 1936 HABS Photo
