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Wilson–Finlay House facts for kids

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Wilson–Finlay House
Wilson-Finlay House at Gainestown, AL.jpg
Wilson–Finlay House is located in Alabama
Wilson–Finlay House
Location in Alabama
Wilson–Finlay House is located in the United States
Wilson–Finlay House
Location in the United States
Nearest city Gainestown, Alabama
Area 2.7 acres (1.1 ha)
Built 1846
Architectural style Greek Revival
NRHP reference No. 78000484
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP July 12, 1978

The Wilson–Finlay House, also called Mist Lady, is a very old and important home in Gainestown, Alabama. It is also known as the Joshua Wilson House or the Finlay House. This house was once the center of a large farm.

The Wilson–Finlay House is special because of its design. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on September 17, 1976. Later, on July 12, 1978, it was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical building in the United States.

History of the Wilson–Finlay House

Who Built the House?

The Wilson–Finlay House was built around 1846. It was built for Dr. Joshua Sanford Wilson. He hired a builder named Isaac Fuller, who came from Maine.

About Dr. Joshua Wilson

Dr. Joshua Sanford Wilson was born in 1792 in North Carolina. He was a doctor who cared for people's health. He was also a "planter," which means he owned and managed a large farm. Besides this, he was a "politician," meaning he helped make rules and decisions for the community.

Dr. Wilson's father, Reverend Joshua Wilson, moved to Gainestown around 1817. He was a minister for the Methodist church. He also fought as a soldier in the American Revolution, which was the war that created the United States.

Who Owns the House Today?

As of 2011, the Louis M. Finlay Jr. family owns the Wilson–Finlay House. They also take care of another historic building nearby. This is the Gainestown Schoolhouse, which is also on the National Register. The family uses the old schoolhouse as a guest house.

Architecture of the Wilson–Finlay House

What Style is the House?

The Wilson–Finlay House is a two-story building. It is built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks like ancient Greek temples. The house is made of wood.

Special Building Materials

The house has a strong foundation and front columns made of limestone. This is quite unusual for houses in Alabama. You can even see marine fossils in the limestone! This special stone was dug up nearby at the Gainestown Quarry, which is on the Alabama River.

How the House is Designed Inside

The house has a rectangular shape. Inside, it uses a "central hall-type plan." This means there is a main hallway in the middle with rooms on either side.

The Front of the House

The front of the house has a large, two-story porch called a portico. This porch has columns in the Doric order, which is a simple and strong Greek style. Above the porch, there is a triangular part called a pediment. In the center of the pediment, there is a special window with slats, called a louvered fanlight.



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In Spanish: Casa Wilson-Finlay para niños

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