Wyman Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wyman Tavern
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 339 Main St., Keene, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1762 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000106 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1972 |
The Wyman Tavern is a very old building in Keene, New Hampshire. It was built way back in 1762. This historic house used to be a busy tavern, a place where people could eat, drink, and stay. Today, it is a local history museum.
The tavern was built by a man named Isaac Wyman. It was also an important meeting spot for soldiers at the start of the American Revolutionary War. In 1968, a local group bought the property. They now let the Cheshire County Historical Society use it as a museum. The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it's a special place worth protecting!
Contents
Exploring the Wyman Tavern's Design
The Wyman Tavern is located just south of downtown Keene. It sits on the west side of Main Street. It is also very close to the campus of Keene State College.
What the Tavern Looks Like
The building is a two-and-a-half-story house. It is made of wood and has a pointed roof. The outside is covered with wooden boards called clapboards. A large brick chimney stands in the middle of the house.
The front of the house has five windows. They are placed evenly around the main door. The windows on the second floor are very close to the roof. The windows on the first floor have small pointed decorations above them. The front door has a small porch with a sloped roof. This porch is held up by round columns.
Inside the Historic Building
Inside, the house has a classic design. There is a narrow entrance hall with a winding staircase. You can see the original hand-cut wooden beams inside. The walls have special wooden panels from the Federal period. There are also two smaller parts of the house. These were added later, in the early 1800s.
A Look at the Tavern's Past
Isaac Wyman built the Wyman Tavern in 1762. He was a soldier who fought in the French and Indian War. After the war, he ran the tavern for 30 years. It was a popular place for travelers and locals.
Important Meetings and Famous Visitors
In 1770, the very first meeting of the leaders of Dartmouth College happened here. Dartmouth College is a famous university. The tavern hosted a celebration for the college's 200th birthday in 1970.
For more than 50 years in the 1800s, Reverend Zedekiah Barstow lived in the tavern. He was the last minister in Keene who was paid by the town. Reverend Barstow also ran a private school in the house. A very important student named Salmon P. Chase attended his school. Salmon P. Chase later became a Chief Justice of the United States.
Becoming a Museum Today
In 1968, a local non-profit group bought the building. They turned it into the museum we see today. It helps people learn about the history of Keene and the American Revolution.
See also
