Van Leer Cabin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Van Leer Cabin
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 6.8 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | c. 1759 |
| Architect | Van Leer Family |
| Architectural style | German Log Cabin |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002227 |
The Van Leer Cabin is a very old and important building. It is one of the last historic homes left in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. You can still find this cabin on the grounds of Conestoga High School today.
Contents
The Van Leer Cabin: A Historic Home
This cabin is a special part of history. It shows us what homes were like a long time ago. It also tells a story about brave people who helped others.
Who Lived Here? The Van Leer Family
The cabin was once part of several homes owned by the Van Leer family. They came to America from Prussia in 1759. That same year, Dr. Bernardhus Van Leer, a well-known doctor, bought 109 acres of land where the cabin now stands.
Dr. Bernardhus Van Leer was famous for many things. He rode horses until he was 102 years old! He was also one of the first medical doctors in New York. Later, his son, Captain Samuel Van Leer, became a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. The Van Leer family played a big part in American history.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
The Van Leers were also known for being against slavery. They even built special "free towns" nearby for people who had escaped slavery. The Van Leer Cabin itself was used as a secret stop. It was part of the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses. This network helped enslaved people travel to freedom in the North.
Restoring the Cabin
In the mid-1960s, students and volunteers worked together. They helped to fix up and restore the cabin. It is still located at Conestoga High School. Today, the cabin is used as part of an American History class. It helps students learn about the past in a real way.
What Does it Look Like? Cabin Architecture
Log cabins are a very important part of Pennsylvania's building history. The Van Leer Cabin is built in a style called "German type." This means the logs are placed very close together. They also fit tightly and evenly at the corners. This style made the cabins strong and warm.
